When gum disease is in its early stages, it is referred to as gingivitis. Red, swollen gums that bleed easily or bad breath are the main symptoms of this disease. However, if not treated with general dentistry or reversed in the gingivitis stage, the gum infection can progress into periodontitis which is a serious threat to your teeth and overall health. At Mercy Dental, we offer treatment for all stages of gum disease with our effective periodontal therapy.
Gum Infection Treatment
Periodontitis is a severe infection of the gums. When it reaches these later stages, the infection can begin to attack the tissues and bone surrounding the teeth. This can lead to tooth loss; it also can increase the risk for stroke, type 2 diabetes and other serious health issues.
To treat the infection in the gums, periodontal therapy can include removing plaque and tartar from the teeth and medicating the tissue to fight the infection. This includes deep cleanings both above and below the gum line to remove tartar that is a haven for the bacteria that cause periodontitis.
Scaling and Root Planing
To clear the tartar from the tooth roots, a procedure called scaling and root planing can be the best option. During this treatment, scaling or scraping is performed to remove the tartar. Once the tartar is removed, planing is used to smooth the root and remove any infected tooth material. This creates a tartar-free, smooth root that will not irritate the gums and allow them to heal and recover. However, it is a time-consuming process, so many people prefer their scraping and root planing to be done over several appointments.
If you have been diagnosed with gingivitis or gum disease, take this oral disease seriously. It can jeopardize your oral and overall health. Contact Mercy Dental in Edinburg today to schedule your next checkup and get started with periodontal therapy to restore your oral health.