Periodontal Disease Treatment in Katy
Have you ever had bleeding gums? Gum disease is a surprisingly common oral health problem, affecting about 80% of the population. When infection spreads from the tooth surface to the gumline and below, you can end up with damaged gums, tooth loss, or may even have health problems.
Most people think it’s normal for their gums to bleed sometimes, but they should never bleed from brushing or flossing. If your gums are inflamed or bleed, please schedule an appointment immediately. Some of the signs that you may have periodontitis include:
- Bleeding gums
- Gums that are sore to the touch
- A buildup around the gumline
- Teeth that move
- Pain when biting
- Swelling in the gums
- Persistent bad breath
The Two Stages of Gum Disease
There are two phases in gum disease. The first is called gingivitis, which is very common among adults and children. It occurs when bacteria aren’t removed from teeth that irritate your gums. As a result, bleeding, tenderness, and pain can occur, particularly when you brush or floss. Fortunately, you can reverse gingivitis with a thorough oral hygiene routine.. Our team will show you exactly how to best clean your teeth.
If gingivitis is not addressed properly, it can penetrate deeper into the gums and attack the bone structures that support the teeth. This second stage is called periodontitis. Our experienced dentists provide deep cleanings to remove the cause of your periodontitis. We will also assist in managing your condition so your gums and bone can heal.
Flap Procedure for Gum Disease
You may need surgery for periodontitis if it cannot be cured with antibiotics or scaling & root planing. A flap procedure cleans the roots of a tooth and repairs bone damage caused by gum disease. This technique is often needed to save teeth that are supported by a bone damaged by gum disease.
Before the procedure, you will be given a local anesthetic to numb the area where the doctor will work on your gums. We will pull back a section of your gums to clean the roots of your teeth and repair damaged bone, if needed. The gum flap will be sewn back into place and covered with gauze to stop the bleeding. Typically, it takes only a few days to recover from a flap procedure.
FAQS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How long does treatment take?
Your treatment will vary depending on how severe your gum disease is and how far it has progressed. One of our core beliefs is that we value your time and want your dental care to be convenient. We’ll be as flexible as possible in booking a treatment that works for you.
How should I take care of my gums?
Brushing and flossing aren’t only about your teeth. When you brush your teeth, you should also be brushing your entire gum area. Flossing reaches the areas of gums between teeth that your brush can’t reach. If you suspect a problem, schedule an appointment right away with our dental team.
Do you clean my gums at my checkup appointments?
Yes! It’s not just your teeth that are cleaned when you have a checkup and clean visit with our team. We also remove all buildup from your gums. If we find any potential issues with your gum health, we’ll inform you immediately so that you can decide what action you’d like to take.
