You’ve been diagnosed with gum disease, which can be scary. You want to save your teeth and prevent physical health complications, but you’re unsure what to expect. Will the dental team judge you? Will the treatment hurt?
Don’t worry! We never judge our patients. Our goal remains the same: to save your smile and restore you to better oral health. We also use a gentle hand to ensure your comfort.
While your specific gum disease treatment plan in High Point will be customized based on the severity of your condition (gingivitis vs. periodontitis), here’s a general overview of what you can typically expect:
Your Gum Disease Treatment Journey: What to Expect Step-by-Step
Initial Consultation & Diagnosis in High Point
The first step is a thorough examination. Your High Point dentist will assess your gums, measure any periodontal pockets (gaps between teeth and gums), review your dental history, and may take x-rays to check bone health. We'll discuss our findings with you, explain the stage of your gum disease, and answer all your questions.
Personalized Treatment Plan
Based on the diagnosis, we will create a customized periodontal treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. We'll explain the recommended procedures, the goals of treatment, and what you can expect at each stage.
Non-Surgical Gum Disease Treatments
A key gum disease treatment is scaling and root planing (deep cleaning), where we remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria from below the gumline and smooth tooth roots to aid gum reattachment and prevent bacterial growth, typically using local anesthetic for your comfort. This may be supplemented with topical or oral antibiotics to further control infection and promote healing.
Guidance on At-Home Care
A crucial part of successful gum disease treatment is your home care. We will provide instructions on effective brushing and flossing techniques, and may recommend specific antimicrobial mouth rinses or other aids.
Follow-Up & Periodontal Maintenance in High Point
After your initial treatment, you'll have follow-up appointments to monitor your healing.
To keep gum disease under control long-term, periodontal maintenance appointments are essential. These are more in-depth than regular cleanings and are usually scheduled every 3-4 months to prevent recurrence.
Why Gum Disease Treatment Matters
Without treatment, gum disease worsens. Eventually, you lose your teeth, and your physical health is at risk.
There is strong evidence linking gum disease to:
- Heart and lung complications
- Low birth weight
- Specific types of dementia
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- And More!
Gum disease starts as reversible gingivitis. However, when it progresses to periodontitis, it is no longer curable. Yet, treatment can help stave off the known risks and help keep you healthy.
We Treat Gum Disease in High Point
For more information about gum disease or to schedule an appointment with our dentist, please call us at (336) 883-1371. We are here to help you through your gum disease diagnosis!