Gum Disease Treatment From a General Dentist

A general dentist may spot signs of gum disease during a six-month checkup. Fortunately, these dental care providers can diagnose and treat gum disease of various severity levels. Whether they recommend deep cleaning or periodontal surgery, a dentist can help patients restore oral health and relieve symptoms.

When to see a dentist about gum disease

Gum disease, or periodontitis, is common but preventable. But what is it? According to the Mayo Clinic, periodontitis is essentially an infection of the gums. A general dentist will work to clear up the infection to prevent further damage to the gums and the underlying jawbone. These efforts also help prevent pain, discomfort, and tooth loss. Other symptoms of gum disease that a general dentist can resolve include:

• Swollen gums
• Bleeding gums
• Chronic bad breath
• Gum recession
• Loose teeth

It is important to consult a general dentist as soon as one notices the symptoms of gum disease. This early detection can make treatment less intensive and easier for the patient. In addition, prompt treatment can help reverse early-stage gum disease.

Gum disease treatments from a general dentist

Every dentist performs a different range of treatments. Here are some of the most common gum disease treatments available at a general dentist’s office:

Deep cleaning: Scaling and root planing

This is more intensive than the teeth cleanings recommended every six months. Through scaling, the general dentist removes plaque and tartar beneath the gum line. Then, they smooth out the surfaces of the tooth roots with root planing to make it harder for the buildup to reoccur.

Laser treatment

Laser treatment can help remove inflamed gum tissue at the root of the tooth. It also removes plaque and tartar buildup while smoothing the roots. In this way, the treatment is also different from scaling and root plane. Patients can learn more about dental laser treatment, whether the service is available, and whether they are candidates during a consultation.

Antibiotics

A general dentist may prescribe antibiotics as a treatment for gum disease. Since this condition is an infection of the gums, antibiotics may help clear it up. Some antibiotics, like minocycline HCl, may be taken orally in pill form. Others, such as chlorhexidine, are used as a mouth rinse.

Antibiotics may be all it takes to clear up gum disease in certain patients. However, it is also common to pair them with other treatments to ensure a better health outcome. For instance, scaling may still be necessary if tartar buildup is present on the tooth roots.

Surgeries for gum disease

A general dentist may recommend surgical gum disease treatment. This includes pocket reduction surgery that cleans the teeth roots, reshapes the bone, and reduces the pockets between the teeth and gums. Alternatively, a dentist may recommend bone grafting or gum grafting to rebuild the jawbone or gum line (respectively) that has deteriorated due to periodontal disease.