We offer a range of periodontal treatments to combat gum disease and its effects in Columbia, MD. Gum treatment options range from deep cleanings to the surgical repair of lost gum and bone tissue. Gum disease treatment is a general dental 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. 
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.
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, a toothbrush and floss can’t reach every area, which is why it’s so important to have regular professional cleanings at our Howard County dental office. Our Columbia dentists can detect early signs of gum disease during your regular dental exam, 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 the following.Scaling and Root Planing
We use these treatments together to remove bacteria from your teeth and gums. Scaling involves removing plaque and hard tartar deposits from your 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 or prescribe an antimicrobial rinse that contains 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 recommend cosmetic or restorative dental procedures to reshape tooth surfaces and repair damaged teeth. Tooth bonding and dental crowns can help realign your bite. 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 new damage and covers exposed tooth roots.
- Periodontal Plastic Surgery: In dentistry, “plastic” means reshaping. This type of surgery helps improve your gums by removing excess tissue or reshaping them.
- 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.
“The staff is warm and welcoming. My dental hygienist is amazing! Valerie is warm, gentle, and really educates you on improvement and maintenance. I am really happy with Howard County Smiles thus far!” -Bobbie P.
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 don’t feel the pain. After treatments, you might be uncomfortable for a couple of hours, but you shouldn’t be in pain. Most discomfort after gum therapy is because of inflammation from your infected gums.Can gum therapy improve my tooth health?
Yes! These treatments don’t just 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. As your gums recede, you can feel your teeth loosen over time. Advanced gum disease can cause tooth loss.Will my dental insurance cover my periodontal therapy?
Some dental plans will cover the entire cost or part of the cost of restorative treatments. Gum treatments are seen as necessary to fix functional issues. Please contact your dental insurance provider directly before you assume it will be covered. Our team will also help you, and offer financing options so you can get the treatment you need.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 gum tissue reattach.Will my gums grow back after gum disease treatment?
Gums don’t naturally grow back after treatment. If you have lost gum tissue because of gum disease, it won’t 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 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 early by getting treatment as soon as you see the signs. Once you notice your symptoms, visit the dentist as soon as possible. You should also maintain good dental hygiene after therapy to prevent reinfection. If you continue to have gum problems, get regular deep gum cleanings to 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. 
