Reclaim a Healthy, Confident Smile with Gum Disease Treatment
Reclaim a Healthy, Confident Smile with Gum Disease Treatment
Gum disease is one of the most common dental problems, affecting nearly 50% of the US adult population. The early stages are often painless, so many people don’t notice the problem until it becomes severe. At Jeff Childreth, DMD, we help patients prevent and treat gum disease to keep their smiles healthy for life. Visit our office in Medford, Oregon, and reclaim your optimal gum health.
What are the signs of gum disease?
Gum or periodontal disease starts with the accumulation of dental plaque in the mouth. If not brushed or flossed away, plaque calcifies into tartar, which can cause early-stage gum disease, also known as gingivitis.
Early warning signs of periodontal disease include:
- Red or inflamed gums
- Swollen or tender gums
- Bleeding when brushing or flossing
- Sensitive teeth
- Persistent bad breath
Left untreated, gum disease progresses to the root surfaces, causing receding gums or longer-looking teeth. Over time, the underlying bone deteriorates, resulting in loose teeth that eventually fall out. Worse yet, periodontal disease increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes complications, respiratory infections, and other systemic conditions. Treating gum disease not only protects your smile but also supports your general health.
How do we diagnose gum disease?
A treatment plan for gum disease is initiated after a comprehensive dental exam. Dr. Childreth will examine your gums for signs of redness, swelling, or bleeding. We may also measure the pockets between your teeth and gums to determine the severity of the infection. X-rays are necessary to assess the extent of bone loss associated with advanced gum disease.
How is gum disease treated?
Dr. Childreth employs a conservative approach to treating periodontal disease. Early-stage gum disease is reversible with professional cleanings and strict at-home oral hygiene. However, deep teeth cleaning will be recommended for moderate to severe gum disease.
This non-surgical treatment involves two procedures:
- Scaling: We use special tools and skills to eliminate plaque and tartar from deep pockets. Our specialized tools can clean depths your home tools can’t reach.
- Root planing: The dentist smooths the root surfaces of your teeth to achieve two goals. First, removing rough surfaces discourages the growth of harmful bacteria. Second, planing encourages gums to reattach to your teeth.
We administer scaling and root planing with local anesthesia to ensure a comfortable experience. Depending on the severity of your infection, you may require one to three visits, with each session focusing on a specific area of the mouth. Sometimes, we may complement deep teeth cleaning with antibiotic therapy to prevent recolonization of harmful bacteria.
What can I expect after deep cleaning treatment?
After scaling and root planing, some tenderness or mild swelling is normal. You may notice your gums feel sensitive for a few days. Our team will provide you with easy-to-follow instructions on brushing, flossing, and rinsing to promote optimal recovery.
Regular follow-up appointments are also essential. These visits enable us to assess your healing and ensure your gums are healthy. With proper care, SRP can slow or stop the progression of gum disease and help you maintain a strong, healthy smile.
Do you need gum disease treatment in Medford, Oregon?
Healthy gums are the foundation of a healthy smile. Don’t let periodontal disease ruin your oral health. Dial (541) 897-8865 and schedule a periodontal consultation with Jeff Childreth, DMD. Remember, the sooner treatment begins, the better the outcome will be.
