Understanding Gum Disease Treatments

Periodontal disease, commonly referred to as gum disease, is one of the most common yet overlooked oral health conditions. It affects roughly 47% of adults in the United States. Left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss and even impact your overall health.

At Calvert Dentistry, we take a proactive, comprehensive approach to treating gum disease. In addition to traditional deep cleaning methods like scaling and root planing, we offer advanced options like laser therapy and antibiotics to promote faster healing and long-term gum health.

What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease is an infection of the tissues that support your teeth. It typically begins with gingivitis, where the gums become red, swollen, and bleed easily. If not treated, it can progress to periodontitis, which involves deeper pockets of infection, bone loss, and eventual tooth loss.

Common signs of gum disease include:

• Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
• Persistent bad breath
• Receding gums
• Swollen or tender gum tissue
• Loose or shifting teeth

Gum Disease Treatments at Calvert Dentistry

1. Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning)

Scaling and root planing is often the first line of treatment for patients with early to moderate periodontal disease. We use specialized tools to:

• Remove plaque and tartar from below the gumline (scaling)
• Smooth the tooth roots to discourage bacteria from reattaching (planing)

This non-surgical deep cleaning helps reduce inflammation and allows the gums to reattach to the teeth more effectively.

2. Laser Therapy

For more advanced cases, or to complement scaling and planing, we may use dental lasers to gently disinfect and remove infected gum tissue. Laser therapy offers several benefits:

• Minimally invasive with less bleeding
• Promotes faster healing
• Precisely targets bacteria while preserving healthy tissue
• Reduces discomfort during and after treatment

Laser therapy allows us to treat gum disease more thoroughly and with greater precision than traditional methods alone.

3. Arestin Local Antibiotic Therapy

We often apply Arestin, a powerful antibiotic placed directly into periodontal pockets after deep cleaning, to reduce bacteria and inflammation further. These tiny, dissolvable microspheres release medication over time to:

• Eliminate infection below the gumline
• Prevent bacteria from returning
• Support the healing of gum tissue

Why Prompt Gum Disease Treatments Matters

Gum disease doesn’t just affect your mouth. Studies have linked periodontal infections to serious health issues such as:

• Heart disease
• Diabetes complications
• Respiratory issues
• Pregnancy risks, like preterm birth

Treating gum disease early and thoroughly protects your oral health and overall well-being.

Let Us Help Keep Your Gums Healthy

At Calvert Dentistry, we want to help you maintain healthy gums for life. Our experienced team will create a personalized gum disease treatment plan that may include scaling and planing, laser therapy, and antibiotics to restore your gum health. Don’t ignore bleeding gums or gum tenderness. Contact us today to schedule a periodontal evaluation and take the first step toward a healthier, more confident smile.