Gum Disease Treatment Houston
Happy Smiles Start with a Healthy Foundation
Your gums are the foundation of your smile, and when they’re compromised, your entire oral health is at risk. Dr. Chiara Combs and the team at Ideal Smiles Family Dentistry understand that gum disease affects millions of people, often without obvious symptoms until it progresses. We offer comprehensive periodontal therapy designed to protect your gums, treat disease, and address conditions that impact your overall health and quality of life.
Why Choose Ideal Smiles Family Dentistry for Gum Disease Treatment?
- Knowledgeable Dentist & Friendly Team
- Uninsured? In-House Plan Available
- In-Network with Most PPO Insurance Plans
Signs & Symptoms of Gum Disease
As one of the top causes of tooth loss, gum disease can impact your oral health when left unchecked. Keep an eye out for these following symptoms:
- Chronic bad breath (halitosis)
- Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
- Inflamed or bright red or purple gums
- Gum recession that makes teeth appear longer
- Dental sensitivity
- Pus between your teeth and gums
- Loose permanent teeth
- A change in the way your teeth fit together
If you notice any of these signs, call our office to schedule a checkup as soon as possible.
Scaling & Root Planing
Scaling and root planing, more commonly known as a deep cleaning, is a great way to minimize bacteria accumulation within the mouth and help your gums heal. We will remove tartar build-up and clean below the gumline, allowing your gum tissue to reattach to your teeth and provide the vulnerable roots with greater protection.
Laser Periodontal Treatment
We can utilize our Gemini Diode Laser during your deep cleaning to kill harmful oral bacteria as well as remove severely damaged gum tissue. This will help by leaving only the healthy tissue behind. Our laser is an amazing piece of technology that eliminates the need for a scalpel and sutures, as well as make treatment more comfortable and efficient.
Chlorhexidine Rinse
We may prescribe chlorhexidine gluconate in the form of a mouth rinse to help kill harmful oral bacteria and treat gingivitis. Chlorhexidine is an antiseptic, which means it kills certain bacteria, viruses, and fungi, and it’s used in a variety of medical settings to help clean and disinfect. In dentistry, though, it can be an excellent tool to stop the spread of gum disease!
Gum Disease Treatment FAQs
What is periodontal therapy?
Periodontal therapy refers to specialized dental treatments that target gum disease and the supporting structures of your teeth. These procedures remove bacteria, tartar, and infected tissue from below the gum line where regular cleaning can’t reach. The goal is to stop disease progression, eliminate infection, and help your gums heal so they can properly support your teeth again.
How is dental prophylaxis different from periodontal therapy?
A dental prophylaxis is a standard cleaning that removes plaque and tartar from above the gum line and is typically performed every six months for maintenance. Periodontal therapy involves deeper cleaning techniques that address bacteria and calculus below the gum line in pockets created by gum disease. While prophylaxis prevents disease in healthy mouths, periodontal therapy actively treats existing gum disease and requires specialized techniques and instruments.
Is periodontal/gum disease treatment important?
Yes, periodontal therapy is necessary when you have gum disease because the condition won’t resolve on its own and will worsen without treatment. Untreated gum disease leads to bone loss, tooth loss, and has been linked to serious health conditions like heart disease and diabetes. The therapy stops disease progression, eliminates infection, and gives your gums the chance to heal, preventing more extensive and costly dental problems in the future.
