Serving McKinney, Frisco & Prosper
Gum Disease Treatment – McKinney, TX
Gum Health Is the Cornerstone of Your Smile
You may be surprised to learn that gum disease is the most common disease in the U.S. and, unfortunately, bleeding gums aren’t the only consequence. In fact, your gums are every bit as important to your smile as your teeth! Not to mention that they’re also connected to your general health as well, so it’s essential to make sure they’re in good shape. Fortunately, Dr. Rana Lee keeps a close eye on your gums at every checkup so that, when necessary, she can provide gum disease treatment in McKinney to keep your smile on track. If you think your gums may be less-than-healthy, contact us today to schedule an appointment!
What Is Gum Disease and Why Is Treatment So Important?
Also called periodontal disease, gum disease refers to inflammation that damages the gums and underlying bone that give the teeth their strength and keep them in place. As gum disease progresses and these structures are damaged further, the teeth can eventually become loose and fall out. Gum disease can be caused by poor oral hygiene, genetics, smoking, and age.
Treatment is crucial for multiple reasons. In addition to gum disease being the #1 cause of tooth loss, many studies have shown that it increases the risk of:
- Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia
- Cardiovascular disease
- Stroke
- Some cancers
- Pregnancy complications
- Diabetes
What Are the Signs of Gum Disease?
Although gum disease has been called a “silent disease,” there are still signs and symptoms to look for:
- Bleeding after brushing or flossing (healthy gums don’t bleed)
- Red or swollen gum tissue
- Tenderness when flossing
- Receding gums
- Bad breath, even after brushing and flossing, or a bad taste in the mouth
- Loose teeth or pain when chewing
Because gum disease has such a serious impact on your dental and general health, schedule a visit with us right away if you see any of these signs. While we can’t cure gum disease, we can manage it and keep it from getting worse with the right treatment.
How is Gum Disease Treated?
At TriCorner Dentistry, we offer two main types of periodontal therapy in McKinney. After your initial treatment, we’ll recommend coming in for maintenance cleanings every 3, 4, or 6 months to keep your gums healthy moving forward.
Scaling and Root Planing
Also referred to as a “deep cleaning,” this procedure is typically done in 2-4 visits, depending on your needs. First, we’ll numb your gums to make sure you stay comfortable. Then we’ll thoroughly remove the plaque, tartar, and bacteria from under the gumline around each tooth. Next, we’ll smooth the roots of your teeth to help prevent tartar and bacteria from re-accumulating in the future.
Topical Antibiotic Therapy
This is typically done immediately after scaling and root planing and involves placing an antibiotic gel in isolated areas under the gumline. It gives your gums an added layer of antibacterial protection and is somewhat similar to putting antibiotic ointment on a cut after cleaning it.
With effective gum disease treatment, regular maintenance cleanings, and good oral hygiene at home, you can have a healthy smile for life.