Periodontal (Gum) Disease Treatment in Greenville & Landrum, SC

Gum disease is one of the most common diseases that affect human beings, with over half of Americans experiencing some form of gum disease at some point in their lives. Gum disease starts as gingivitis, the most common form of the disease that involves red gums and bleeding, but can also go unnoticed by patients. If it is allowed to develop, it can turn into periodontal disease which, if left untreated, can result in tooth loss or jawbone loss. If you are experiencing any symptoms of gum disease, please let our team know and we will be happy to assess your situation and discuss your treatment options.

Gingivitis and periodontitis are both caused by a buildup of plaque and tartar, and the best prevention method is to maintain a thorough oral care routine and visit the dentist regularly to have hard-to-reach plaque removed. However, gum disease can be treated, and it’s important to seek treatment for it as soon as possible. Symptoms of gum disease include:

• Red, swollen, or very sensitive or tender gums
• Excessive bleeding when brushing or flossing
• Receding gum line
• Loose teeth or tooth loss
• Bad breath or foul taste in mouth

Peridontitis treatment requires a deep cleaning treatment that involves scaling and root planing. Scaling is done to remove plaque and tartar that has built up underneath the gum line. Root planing is then used to smooth the roots of the teeth and helps the gums reattach to the teeth. Once the gum pockets have been cleaned, we will often add a topical antibiotic called Arestin® to continue fighting bacteria and reduce pocket depth. Because the deep cleaning process is very detailed, it can require more than one appointment to complete, but it is worth it to restore the teeth and gums back to their original health.

Occasional irritation can happen, but gums that bleed regularly may be a sign of gingivitis or periodontal disease. Plaque buildup along the gumline can cause inflammation that makes the gums more likely to bleed. If the bleeding persists, it's a good idea to schedule a dental exam rather than simply avoiding the areas that bleed.

Gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease, can often be reversed with professional dental care and consistent brushing and flossing. Once gum disease progresses to periodontitis and begins damaging the tissues or bone supporting the teeth, that damage generally cannot simply be reversed. However, periodontal treatment can help control the infection and prevent or slow further progression.

Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning used to treat periodontal disease. Scaling removes plaque and hardened tartar from above and below the gumline, while root planing smooths the tooth roots to remove bacterial buildup and encourage the gums to heal around the teeth.

A routine dental cleaning is preventive care primarily focused on removing plaque and tartar from the teeth and around the gumline. A deep cleaning, or scaling and root planing, is periodontal treatment for patients with gum disease. It cleans deeper beneath the gumline and around the tooth roots where periodontal pockets have developed.

We want periodontal treatment to be as comfortable as possible. Local anesthetic may be used to numb the treatment area during scaling and root planing. Some tenderness or sensitivity can occur afterward, but it is typically temporary. We'll provide instructions for keeping your mouth comfortable as your gums heal.

Arestin is an antibiotic that can be placed directly into periodontal pockets following scaling and root planing. It targets bacteria in the treated area and may be recommended as an additional step in controlling periodontal disease. Not every patient needs Arestin, so our team will determine whether it's appropriate for your individual condition.

The appropriate schedule varies based on the severity of your gum disease and how well it responds to treatment. Some periodontal patients benefit from maintenance visits more frequently than the standard six-month cleaning schedule. Your Wood Creek Dental team will recommend an interval based on your individual gum health.

No. Gum disease generally will not resolve without addressing the plaque, tartar, and bacteria causing the inflammation. Early gingivitis may improve with professional cleaning and better oral hygiene, while periodontitis usually requires more extensive periodontal treatment. Seeking care early can help prevent the condition from becoming more difficult to manage.

Yes. Advanced periodontal disease can damage the gums, connective tissues, and bone that hold teeth securely in place. As that support deteriorates, teeth may become loose and can eventually be lost. Treating periodontal disease and maintaining ongoing care can help protect your natural teeth.

Brush thoroughly twice a day, clean between your teeth daily with floss or another recommended interdental cleaner, and schedule regular dental exams and professional cleanings. Avoiding tobacco products and addressing early symptoms such as bleeding or swollen gums can also help protect your periodontal health.