Gum Disease Treatment – Fort Worth, TX

Protect Your Smile from Gum Disease

Gum disease, also sometimes referred to as periodontal disease, affects over 75% of adults and contributes to more tooth loss than decay. It is caused by the buildup of plaque bacteria that attack the gums and supporting tissues, and it eventually leads to bone loss. Gum disease may display warning signs such as:

• Gums that are red, swollen, tender, or bleed easily
• Gums that have pulled away from teeth
• Persistent bad breath or bad taste
• Changes in tooth position, looseness, separation, or mismatch

Factors that contribute to gum disease include tobacco use, poor oral hygiene, family history, crooked teeth, pregnancy, diabetes, and certain medications. The good news is that when detected in earlier stages, gum disease can be treated and even reversed preventing long-term damage.

Scaling and Root Planing

Scaling and root planing is the primary method of gum disease treatment in Fort Worth. When plaque and tartar have built up at a greater depth than a regular dental cleaning can tackle, your dental hygienist will likely recommend a scaling and root planing procedure. This means that they will be using specially designed dental tools to remove the build-up below the gum line that is preventing the gum tissue from being tightly attached to the root surface of your tooth. Removing the build-up allows the gum tissue to heal and reattach to the tooth thereby preventing further contamination from the bacteria and halting further damage to your teeth and bone.

Soft Tissue Management

Diagnosis and treatment of gum disease vitally affect oral and physical health. Studies have linked gum disease to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and other life-threatening conditions. Dentists design soft tissue management (STM) plans to achieve lifelong dental health by eliminating gum infection, inflammation, deep pockets, and bleeding to achieve excellent periodontal health.

An STM plan typically consists of:

• A thorough periodontal exam, including deep pocket measurements
• Deep cleaning below the gumline into the pockets
• Irrigating treated areas with medication
• More frequent cleanings
• A long-term home cleaning regimen

When treated in the early stages, the ravaging effects of gum disease can be stopped and kept under control. Bonds Ranch Family Dentistry uses the most effective periodontal treatments and technologies to enable you to enjoy fresher breath and healthier gums and teeth.