Take Control of Your Gum Health with Periodontal Services
Are your gums swollen? Do brushing and flossing leave pink on the sink? You are likely to have some form of periodontal disease. While the symptoms don’t look serious, you must schedule an appointment with a dentist for treatment. Gum disease is a progressive oral condition that, when left untreated, can cause irreversible damage.
Randolph Family Dental is experienced in treating gum disease in Schertz, Texas, before it becomes a significant issue. Don’t give gum disease a chance to ruin your smile. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Fortuna Vardeman and the team for effective treatment.
How does gum disease develop?
Dental plaque is the primary cause of gum disease. This colorless, sticky film forms in your mouth as bacteria interact with saliva and food debris. The bacteria in plaque produce toxins that inflame the gums, causing gingivitis—the earliest form of gum disease. Typical gingivitis symptoms include gum tenderness, swelling, and bleeding.
If left untreated, gingivitis can advance to periodontitis. At this stage, harmful bacteria damage the periodontal ligaments, causing the gums to recede from the teeth. This gum recession creates deep pockets around your teeth, which harbor more harmful bacteria. These bacteria then attack the bone supporting your teeth, leading to tooth loss.
How is periodontal disease treated?
We treat gingivitis with standard cleanings alongside at-home oral hygiene of diligent flossing, brushing, and using an oral rinse. If gum disease has reached an advanced stage, we’ll recommend the following treatments.
- Deep teeth cleaning: This non-surgical treatment consists of two procedures: scaling and root planing (SRP). Scaling removes tartar, bacterial toxins, and other deposits from deep pockets in the gums. Planing smooths your tooth roots by polishing away rough spots. Why does this matter? Harmful bacteria and tartar find it hard to cling to smoother surfaces. Moreover, planing encourages gums to reattach to your teeth to restore oral health.
- Antibiotic therapy: SRP can be used as a stand-alone treatment, but the doctor may complement it with topical or oral antibiotics to prevent reinfection.
- Laser treatment: Instead of traditional gum flap surgery, the dentist can treat advanced gum disease with a focused energy light (laser). A laser vaporizes the diseased tissues and blasts away calcified deposits from the deep pockets while leaving the healthy ones intact. Besides, laser energy stimulates the gums to regenerate and attach to your teeth.
Advanced periodontitis “eats away” your tissues, and you may need bone or soft tissue grafting to replenish depleted tissues. It may sound not very comforting, but we’ll support you every step of the way to help you achieve optimal gum health.
Is gum disease preventable?
Gum disease doesn’t occur overnight. With proper care, you can keep gum infection at bay. Observe the tips below to protect your smile from gum disease.
- Brush at least twice daily
- Floss your teeth daily before bedtime
- Consider using a medicated oral rinse
- Visit a dentist every six months for regular cleanings and exams
- Eat a dental-friendly diet
- Avoid tobacco use
- Manage immune-suppressing conditions like diabetes
Randolph Family Dental is committed to ensuring you achieve healthy gums. If you suspect gum disease in Schertz, TX, call (210) 791-7897 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Vardeman and the team.
