Gum Disease Treatment for South Windsor
Protect Your Gums, Protect Your Smile
Periodontal disease, better known as gum disease, is the most common dental condition in the world. Early symptoms include red, swollen, and tender gums that bleed whenever you brush your teeth, and it can eventually develop into the leading cause of tooth loss for American adults! At South Windsor Dental, we take the health of your gums very seriously, as gum disease has also been shown to be a leading risk factor for diabetes, heart disease, and even dementia. If we notice that you are showing any signs of this disease, we can quickly treat it using a range of procedures known as periodontal therapy, which is outlined below.
Scaling & Root Planing
Scaling and root planing are sometimes collectively known as a “deep cleaning,” and they are Dr. Sara Curcio’s first line of defense against early-stage gum disease, better known as gingivitis.
When you come in for a scaling and root planing treatment, your hygienist will start by using a small tool called a scaler to thoroughly remove any plaque or tartar (hardened plaque) deposits from around and underneath your gum line (scaling). Then, the roots of your teeth will be gently smoothed out to make it much harder for plaque to gather on them in the future (root planing), making you less likely to develop gum disease in the future.
Depending on the extent of your infection, this entire process may take one or more visits to complete. Afterward, you’ll likely be asked to come in for more frequent regular cleanings to prevent reinfection. This, along with a consistent oral hygiene routine at home, will ensure that your gums stay perfectly healthy.
Antibiotic Therapy
After your deep cleaning, Dr. Curcio may choose to apply a topical antibiotic to your gums to help you further fight the infection. It will quickly harden into a waxy-like texture and then slowly dissolve over the next 7 days. This will allow the medicine to seep deep into your gums and reach the most hidden bacteria.
If you are currently experiencing gums that are red, swollen, tender, or bleed often, you may already have gum disease. To prevent it from damaging your smile, you should seek out treatment as soon as you can. To schedule an appointment, please contact us today.