We offer a range of periodontal therapy treatments to combat gum disease and its effects in Columbia, MD. Gum treatment options range from scalings (deep cleanings) that remove plaque and calculus (tartar) from beneath the gum line to surgical repair of lost gum and bone tissue. Gum disease treatment is a general dentistry service that can take various forms.
But the goal is always to restore diseased tissues to health. Gum disease can spread from the gums to the jawbone that supports the teeth, and may even cause tooth loss in the most severe cases.
Your Role in Gum Health
Plaque causes gum disease, so you need to brush and floss every day. Avoid scrubbing too hard, as it can make your gums recede. If you’re unsure, our dentist can show you the right technique.
Of course, there are some areas of the mouth that a toothbrush and floss just can’t reach, which is why it’s so important to have regular professional cleanings at our Howard County dentist office. Your regular dental exam with our dentists near you in Columbia, MD is also a time when we can detect early signs of gum disease before they become a larger issue.
Eating a nutritious diet low in sugar and avoiding tobacco in all forms will also increase your gum health. It will also increase your chances of keeping your teeth for life.
Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy in Columbia, MD
We recommend non-surgical gum treatments if you have mild to moderate symptoms. Our non-invasive gum treatments include:
Scaling and Root Planing
We use these treatments together to remove bacteria from the teeth and gums. Scaling involves removing plaque and hard deposits (calculus or tartar) from the surface of the teeth, both above and below the gum line. Root planing smooths the tooth-root surfaces to make it harder for bacteria to adhere to the roots.
Antibiotics and Antimicrobials
We may recommend the short-term use of a prescription antimicrobial rinse (usually containing chlorhexidine). Our office may even recommend a topical antibiotic (such as tetracycline or doxycycline) applied directly to the affected areas. These treatments help fight bacteria in the gum pockets.
Bite Adjustment
We may use cosmetic or restorative dental procedures to reshape tooth surfaces and repair damaged teeth to align the bite. These options include tooth bonding and dental crowns. Bonding adds structure to chipped or cracked teeth. Crowns are caps that fully cover and protect worn or fractured teeth.
Surgical Treatments for Gum Disease
Our surgical gum disease treatments are best for patients in the later stages of gum disease:
- Gum Grafting: If you have gum recession, we may recommend gum grafting. This procedure adds new tissue to areas where the gums have worn away. It helps protect your teeth from further damage and covers exposed tooth roots to improve comfort and appearance.
- Periodontal Plastic Surgery: In dentistry, “plastic” means reshaping. This type of surgery helps improve the look of your gums by removing excess tissue or reshaping them for a more balanced smile.
- Laser Treatment: Dental lasers can remove diseased gum tissue with less discomfort than traditional surgery. Unlike drills, lasers don’t vibrate, and they reduce bleeding and gum shrinkage. This modern treatment is a more comfortable option for many patients.
- Crown Lengthening Surgery: Sometimes, teeth appear too short because they are covered by too much gum tissue. This procedure removes excess gum and bone to expose more of the tooth. It can improve your smile by making your teeth look longer or help secure a dental crown.
Periodontal Therapy FAQs
Learn more about periodontal therapy in our Columbia, MD office with answers to these commonly asked questions:
Will I feel pain during periodontal therapy?
No, you will not feel pain during non-surgical and surgical gum treatments. We will numb your mouth so you do not feel the pain. After treatments, you might be uncomfortable for a couple of hours, but you should not be in pain. Most discomfort after gum therapy is due to inflammation from your infected gums.
Can gum therapy improve my tooth health?
Yes! These treatments not only remove harmful tartar, plaque, and bacteria. They also promote healthy gum growth and stronger tooth enamel. Gum infections can also begin to affect your teeth. Over time, as your gums recede, you can feel your tooth loosen. Advanced gum disease can lead to tooth loss.
Will my dental insurance cover my periodontal therapy?
Some dental plans will cover the entire cost or part of the cost associated with restorative treatments. Gum treatments are seen as a necessity to fix functional issues. Please contact your dental insurance provider directly before you assume it will be covered.
What does periodontal therapy include?
During this therapy, we clean the gums and root surfaces of bacteria. This cleaning removes plaque and calculus. Also, root surfaces must be smooth to prevent repeated buildup and help the reattachment of the gum tissues.
Will my gums grow back after gum disease treatment?
Gums do not naturally grow back after gum disease treatment. If you have lost gum tissue due to gum disease, it will not regenerate on its own. However, treatments like gum grafting can restore lost gum tissue and improve your smile. The best way to keep your gums healthy is to practice good oral hygiene and visit our dentist regularly.
How effective is periodontal treatment?
Periodontal treatment can stop gum disease and keeps your gums healthy. However, the success of your treatment depends on how well you care for your teeth and gums afterward. If you follow our dentist’s advice and keep up with good oral hygiene, your chances of gum disease coming back are low.
Brush twice a day, floss daily, and visit our dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings to help keep your gums in good shape. Also, avoid tobacco products. Smoking and chewing tobacco can slow healing and increase your risk of reinfection.
Can you stop gum disease from progressing?
You can stop gum disease by finding the signs early. Once you notice your symptoms, get treatment. You can also maintain good dental hygiene after therapy to prevent reinfection. If you continue to have gum problems, get regular deep gum cleanings can keep your gums healthy.
How fast does gum disease spread?
Gum disease develops gradually but steadily. Since plaque only takes four days to reach its full size, you’ll be able to see physical evidence of gingivitis by day five. If you haven’t tried to treat gingivitis, you may notice advanced stages of this disease in as little as a few weeks.
Information About Oral DNA Labs
Our office uses clinical laboratory services from OralDNA Labs® to give our patients the best oral health information possible. OralDNA Labs® is a specialty diagnostics company that provides reliable, definitive, and cost-effective clinical tests. These tests guide oral health professionals in detecting and prognosing disease at an earlier, more treatable stage.
We can take a simple saliva sample to OralDNA Labs® to determine if you are at risk of gum disease. Even if you don’t have gum problems, testing can help us determine your level of risk. Then, we can recommend treatments custom-made for you.
Schedule a Dental Exam Today
If you have sore or bleeding gums, schedule an appointment for a gum disease screening and consultation. Our office offers gum disease treatment in Columbia, MD, and Ellicott City, MD, for all stages. We gladly welcome new patients.