Gum Disease Treatment – Houston, TX
Eliminate the Infection, Protect Your Oral Health!
Did you know that roughly 50% of adults in the U.S. have gum disease? So, it’s more important than ever that you implement a solid oral hygiene routine and keep an eye out for common symptoms of this condition. Our Houston dental team is certainly here to help, which is why we offer thorough checkups and cleanings and are happy to answer any questions you have about your oral health. In fact, you can learn more about gum disease right here!
Why Choose Cher Rich DDS For Gum Disease Treatment?
- Dentist with Two Decades of Experience
- Dental Insurance Welcome
- Appointments As Early As 7 AM
What is Gum Disease?
When it comes to your oral health, your gums are just as important as your teeth! They provide vital support and protect the sensitive enamel around your teeth’s roots. Just like your teeth, they can be damaged by a buildup of plaque and bacteria, leading to a condition called gum (periodontal) disease. If left untreated, the infection can result in advanced tooth loss, negatively impacting the look, health, and function of your smile in the process.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
At your routine checkups, Dr. Cher Rich and our team will keep an eye on the health of your teeth and gums. If we see anything abnormal, we can bring it to your attention and intervene with the necessary restorative care as soon as possible. If you notice any of the following symptoms between visits, then contact our office today:
- Red, swollen, or sensitive gums
- Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
- Chronic bad breath
- Gum recession
- A change in your bite
- Loose teeth
How Do We Treat Gum Disease?
Gum disease starts with very subtle symptoms like redness and swelling, and at this point, it can typically be treated with more diligent oral hygiene at home and frequent dental cleanings. However, once it has become too advanced, more sophisticated treatments may be needed. To combat advanced gum disease, we typically use two procedures known as scaling and root planing.
Scaling & Root Planing
Scaling is similar to a dental cleaning, except it focuses solely on your gum line. Using special tools, Dr. Rich will clear away built up plaque and tartar both above and below your gums. After this, she’ll use root planing to gently shape the roots of your teeth. This will smooth them out, which will make it much harder for plaque to accumulate on them in the future. You’ll receive local anesthetic for the procedures, and they can typically be completed over the course of one or two visits. You’ll also be asked to come back for a follow-up to make sure you are recovering properly.
Antibiotic Treatment
After your scaling and root planing procedures, Dr. Rich may choose to use antibiotic therapy to protect you from
reinfection while you are healing. For this, she’ll apply a powdery substance called Arestin. The powder is
actually made up of thousands of tiny microspheres that are filled with a powerful antibiotic. These spheres
dissolve slowly, which helps distribute the medicine over a certain length of time so that it can protect you during
your entire recovery period.