Gum Disease Treatment – Ashwaubenon, WI
Stopping the Spread of Gum Disease
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated one out of every two adults in the country is affected by gum disease. Even though this oral health problem is so prevalent, it is preventable, and in its earlier stages, reversible. Our team’s goal is to tackle and treat the symptoms as soon as possible to prevent permanent damage, like tooth loss and gum recession. If you’re experiencing bleeding when brushing and flossing or dental sensitivity, don’t hesitate to visit us for a checkup to make sure your gums are still in good health. If not, we can address the issue with customized gum disease treatment in Ashwaubenon, WI.
Why Choose Brodhagen Dental Care for Gum Disease Treatment?
- Experienced & Compassionate Dental Team
- We Value & Support Our Community
- In-House Dental Savings Plan Available
Scaling & Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is a two-step process that typically takes place over the course of two appointments. First, our team will remove all plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth and below the gum line. Then, we’ll smooth out the roots of the teeth, removing any rough areas that could foster bacteria accumulation. We typically recommend scaling and root planing alongside antibiotic therapy for the best results.
Antibiotic Therapy
In addition to scaling and root planing, we typically suggest antibiotic therapy for patients who are experiencing mild to moderate symptoms of gum disease. We’ll prescribe the antibiotic in the form of a pill or mouthwash to target the bacteria that are infecting your oral tissues. We may also schedule a follow-up appointment to make sure that the medication is working as it should to combat your symptoms.
Gum Disease FAQs
Even though gum disease starts out seemingly small, it is a serious condition that requires immediate and consistent attention. If you are not familiar with this therapy, it can feel overwhelming, which is why we’re answering some of the most commonly asked questions about it right here for your convenience. However, should you have other questions not explored here, please ask our team during your appointment with us. We would love to address your concerns and make sure you receive the treatment you need to get back to full oral health as soon as possible.
What If I Do Nothing about Gum Disease?
Leaving gum disease in Ashwaubenon untreated can lead to disastrous consequences. Not only will it eventually lead to tooth loss and permanent damage to your smile, but the inflammation-causing bacteria responsible for gum disease can also spread throughout your body, increasing your risk of various conditions. These include heart disease, Alzheimer’s and dementia, kidney disease, and even certain kinds of cancer. That’s why we strongly encourage early diagnosis and treatment, which can be accomplished through regular checkups.
How Long Does It Take to Treat Gum Disease?
As with many other dental procedures, the time required to treat gum disease will depend on how severe your condition is and how quickly your mouth responds to the antibiotics. Sometimes, scaling and root planing need to be repeated every three to four months to get the infection under control. We’ll keep a close eye on your smile until we feel the bacteria are mostly eradicated. At that point, we’ll be concerned about keeping your gums healthy and preventing the infection from coming back, which is a lifelong goal and effort.
Does Gum Disease Treatment Hurt?
At Brodhagen Dental Care, we make sure you feel comfortable throughout your time with us, regardless of the procedure you’re undergoing. Because the treatment process requires us to go deep under the gumline, we may administer a local anesthetic before we get started. This will numb the area so that you don’t feel anything unpleasant. When the anesthetic wears off, your mouth may feel a little sore or tender; however, any discomfort should subside shortly.
Does Gum Tissue Grow Back?
If gum disease is caught and treated early on in the infection, the negative symptoms can be reversed. However, in later stages, when the gums have receded and the jawbone has started to deteriorate, the tissue does not necessarily go back to the way it was before on its own. In some cases, a gum or bone graft is necessary to protect the exposed roots and to recover the stability and aesthetics of the smile. We will bring these treatment options to your attention if we feel they could help you moving forward.