Prioritizing Gum Health by Eliminating Harmful Bacteria
Although cavities continue to be the leading oral health problem in the world, gum disease is quickly rising in the ranks. To minimize the potential damage a bacterial attack on the gums can do, we proudly offer gum disease treatment in our Salmon Creek dental practice. By eliminating harmful plaque, tartar, and bacteria, we can prioritize your gum health so that you can enjoy a longer-lasting smile and improved wellness. Give us a call if you notice any symptoms that might point to gum disease.
Why Choose Salmon Creek Complete Dentistry for Gum Disease Treatment?
Dentist with More Than a Decade of Proven Experience
Long-Standing Dental Team That Puts Patients First
Comprehensive Approach Combining Oral & Overall Health
Symptoms of Gum Disease
You may not realize that you have gum disease, especially if you’re unaware of which symptoms you should look for. While a formal diagnosis from Dr. Kelly is required, you can take a more proactive approach to gum disease if you notice any of the following signs:
Bleeding gums that appear red and swollen after brushing and flossing
Continuous bad breath or halitosis
Developing a bad taste in your mouth
Loose teeth
A change in your bite (how your teeth line up)
Deep pockets forming between your teeth and gums
Teeth appearing longer (gum recession)
Scaling & Root Planing
One of the most effective forms of gum disease treatment is scaling and root planing. Known as “deep cleaning,” this two-part process is designed to address bacterial build-up so that gums can properly heal over time. Our team can walk you through the entire process during your consultation. Until then, here’s what you can expect from scaling & root planing as well as ways to maintain a healthy smile after your treatment.
Do You Need Scaling & Root Planing?
In most cases, if our team notices that you have gum disease, then we’ll likely recommend performing scaling and root planing to prevent it from progressing into periodontitis. Those who are struggling with indications of periodontal infection, such as bleeding when brushing/flossing, receding gum lines, shifting teeth, trouble chewing, chronic halitosis, or noticeable plaque buildup will need to contact our office as soon as possible. We can examine your situation and determine the proper ways to address the situation. The need for scaling and root planing will also depend on the severity of the infection.
The Process of Scaling & Root Planing
Our team will begin by scaling your teeth, which requires using specialized dental instruments to carefully remove hardened plaque and tartar from your teeth. We will also clean above and below the gumline to ensure all bacteria are removed.
We will then move on to root planing, which involves smoothing out the roots of teeth so that it is harder for any bacteria to reinfect the area. This thorough process also allows the gums to slowly reattach to the teeth as well as heal gum pockets, lowering the risk of harmful particles becoming trapped in the future.
Aftercare Tips for Scaling & Root Planing
Once you’ve completed the entire treatment process, you might expect to experience some mild discomfort or soreness during your recovery. You may also notice a little sensitivity in the gums or even minimal swelling or bleeding. Fortunately, this is natural and usually temporary as you should feel back to normal after a couple of weeks or less. The important thing is to practice infection control during your healing period, and our team will provide you with specific guidelines.
Your aftercare instructions should include brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash like normal. You might also want to avoid foods that are too hot, spicy, or sharp until you’ve recovered. We might also recommend antibiotics as well as over-the-counter pain relievers to minimize discomfort during your recovery. After a week or two, your gums should be fully healed.
