What Is Gum Disease?
If your gums bleed when you brush, or if you struggle with chronic bad breath, you are not alone. Gum disease (periodontal disease) is incredibly common, but it is also a serious, progressive condition. In fact, it is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.
Caused by a buildup of bacterial plaque below the gum line, it creates a harmful environment that irritates the soft tissue. If left untreated, this mild irritation (gingivitis) can advance into severe infection, deteriorating the jawbone and causing irreversible damage to your smile.
At Bright Star Dental, we provide judgment-free care. Dr. Tyler Parsons brings extensive advanced training and expertise in diagnosing and treating gum disease with precision and compassion. Utilizing the latest techniques and state-of-the-art technology, he effectively eliminates the deep-seated infection, removes harmful bacteria, and restores your gum health. With personalized treatment plans and ongoing maintenance, Dr. Parsons and our team are committed to helping you achieve long-term oral health and preserve your natural teeth for years to come.
Scaling and Root Planing
A deep clean for a fresh start.
Scaling and root planing is usually the first line of defense in treating gum disease. It is a non-surgical "deep cleaning" of the teeth, reaching far below the visible gum line.
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Scaling: We meticulously remove the hardened plaque and tartar buildup that cannot be reached with regular brushing and flossing.
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Root Planing: We then smooth the rough edges on the roots of your teeth. This removes the grooves where bacteria like to hide and provides a clean surface, allowing your gums to naturally reattach and heal, lessening the depths of the infected pockets.
Gingivectomy
Removing infection to promote healing.
If non-surgical treatments are ineffective at halting the disease, a gingivectomy may be necessary. When gums become severely infected, they loosen and pull away from the teeth, creating deep pockets that harbor aggressive bacteria and tartar. During this straightforward procedure, Dr. Parsons carefully removes the diseased gum tissue. This immediately reduces the pocket depth, eliminating the hiding spots for bacteria and significantly reducing the risk of bone and tooth loss. For your comfort, this can easily be paired with our sedation dentistry options.
Periodontal Maintenance
Protecting your smile for the long term.
Because gum disease cannot be "cured", only managed, periodontal maintenance is a vital, ongoing part of your treatment. After your initial deep cleaning, you will transition to a specialized maintenance schedule. During these visits, we perform a thorough oral examination to measure your pocket depths and provide a targeted cleaning to remove any new accumulation of plaque before it can trigger another infection. To ensure the disease does not progress further, we typically recommend periodontal maintenance visits every 3 to 4 months rather than the standard six-month checkup.
Benefits of Gum Disease Treatment
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Treating periodontal disease does more than just save your teeth; it improves your daily quality of life and protects your entire body.
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Restored Soft Tissue Health: Stop the bleeding, swelling, and tenderness in your gums.
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Fresher Breath: Eliminate the chronic bad breath caused by trapped bacteria.
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Improved Oral Health: Prevent the need for future tooth extractions or dentures by keeping your natural teeth securely in place.
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Reduced Systemic Issues Risk: Advanced gum disease is linked to serious health conditions, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes complications. Treating your gums protects your heart!
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