Dr. Shannon French offers periodontal disease treatment in Bladenboro, NC. Periodontitis, also known as gum disease, is a common yet serious dental problem. It begins as gingivitis or gum inflammation. Bacteria irritates and inflames the gums and can eventually cause gum recession and bone loss.
At Bladenboro Family Dentistry, Dr. French and her team help reverse the early stages of gum disease to keep the health of the teeth and gums intact. We treat every patient with care and listen to their concerns so we can find the best treatment method possible.
Common Symptoms of Gum Disease
Treating gum disease helps restore tooth and gum health. Know the signs of periodontitis so you can receive prompt treatment in our Bladenboro dental office:
- Bleeding gums
- Red and swollen gums
- Gum recession
- Tooth and bone loss
- Shifting teeth
- Loose teeth
Please contact our office if you have noticed any developing gum issues. It is important to target gum problems early on as they can quickly lead to tooth loss. The bacteria that inflame the gums can enter the bloodstream and lead to heart problems. Keeping the health of your teeth and gums in check also ensures that you are less prone to issues with your heart health.
Treating Gum Disease at Bladenboro Family Dentistry
Our team can help you combat gum disease at routine dental visits. If you have signs of red, swollen, or irritated gums, we can provide you with an antibacterial rinse. This rinse removes harmful bacteria from the teeth and gums to prevent them from multiplying.
Scaling and root planing are effective treatments a dentist uses in tandem to eliminate plaque and bacteria. Scaling removes plaque buildup from around and even beneath the gums. Root planing smooths down the rough surfaces of infected tooth roots and helps combat gum recession.
Periodontal Disease Treatment FAQs
How long does periodontal disease take to heal?
Depending on the stage of your gum disease, it may take anywhere from a few days to a few months to recover from gum disease. The further the stage your gum disease has reached, the longer it will take to recover.
What are the stages of periodontitis?
The four stages of periodontitis include gingivitis, mild periodontal disease, moderate periodontal disease, and severe periodontal disease. As the disease progresses it becomes increasingly more difficult to treat and prevent damage.
Can gums grow back after periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease can cause receding gums. When this occurs your gums cannot grow back. There are options to prevent receding gums from getting worse, but there is no way for them to grow back.
How soon can I eat after periodontal surgery?
Periodontal surgery should recover in about two weeks. After your surgery, we recommend sticking to a soft diet and avoiding excessive pressure on your gums.
How long does periodontal treatment take?
Gum surgery usually takes about 2 hours to finish. Some surgical procedures call for the patient to be completely or partially unconscious. However, the use of a local anesthetic to numb the gums prior to surgery may cause the procedure to take longer.
How do you prepare for periodontal treatment?
You may need to stop taking some medications, such as aspirin, pain relievers, and blood thinners, a couple of weeks before surgery. We recommend abstaining from nicotine and alcohol at least 24 hours prior to the operation.
How often should I get my teeth cleaned with periodontal disease?
We recommend that patients with periodontal disease visit our office for regular cleanings every three months. This is more frequent than most of our patients visit our office, because we need to keep an eye on your gum disease and determine the rate at which it is progressing.
How painful is a periodontal cleaning?
Deep teeth cleaning can be difficult and sometimes uncomfortable, but it should not hurt. Before a deep cleaning we will give you local anesthetic, as a gel or an injection. This is to ensure that you are comfortable throughout your entire cleaning.
Have you noticed that your gums bleed after you brush and floss your teeth? Are your gums sensitive to hot and cold foods? Call our office for periodontal care today at 910-469-4592. You can also schedule an appointment with Dr. French and her team online. Our office serves patients from Bladenboro, Clarkton, and Fayetteville, North Carolina.