Gum Disease Treatment Plano
Renew & Preserve Your Gum Health
“Periodontal disease,” better known as gum disease, might be an unfamiliar term, but it is actually one of the most common dental problems in the entire world! And sadly, without timely treatment, it can cause devastating damage to your oral health and even endanger your overall wellness. At Legacy Trails Dental of Plano, we take the health of your gums very seriously, which is why we will screen them during all of your routine appointments. Should you show any signs of gum disease, we can quickly and effectively treat you using the therapies outlined on this page. Contact us today to learn more or request an appointment.
Why Choose Legacy Trails Dental of Plano for Gum Disease Treatment?
- Advanced Laser Technology for Comfortable & Effective Care
- Experienced and Caring Dentists and Support Staff
- Dental Insurance Welcomed & Maximized
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is a bacterial infection of the pink tissue that surrounds the base of the teeth. In its early stages, it is known as gingivitis. As it progresses and starts to cause permanent damage to the gums and underlying bone structure, it turns into periodontitis. Often, gum disease is the result of missteps in oral hygiene.
Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss among adults in the U.S. It is also associated with numerous systemic health conditions, including heart attack, high blood pressure, stroke, and Alzheimer’s.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
Gingivitis can start out subtly. Often, it causes the following symptoms:
- Chronic bad breath (halitosis) that does not go away despite the use of mints, gum, or other breath-freshening methods.
- Red or swollen gums that are tender to the touch.
- Gums that bleed easily when you brush or floss.
- Mild gum recession (the gums pulling away from the roots of the teeth).
Periodontitis can cause all of the above-listed symptoms. It may also result in:
- Loose permanent teeth.
- Extreme sensitivity along the roots of the teeth.
- Changes in your bite, or changes in the fit of restorations, such as dentures.
- Tooth loss.
- Painful chewing.
How Do We Treat Gum Disease?
There are a few different ways to treat gum disease. The best approach for you will depend on the extent of your condition and other factors. Our team will perform a thorough examination before we propose a custom treatment plan. We might recommend one of the following services:
Scaling & Root Planing
These two treatments are sometimes collectively referred to as a “deep cleaning,” and they serve as our first line of defense against early-stage gum disease, better known as gingivitis. During the scaling portion, your dentist or hygienist will clear away all the plaque and tartar deposits located around your gumline, and then they will use root planing to gently smooth out the rough surfaces of your teeth’s roots (where gum disease bacteria tend to gather). This procedure will also help any infected gum tissue to properly heal and firmly reattach to your teeth.
Biolase® Soft Tissue Laser Dentistry
Thanks to our Biolase® Soft Tissue Laser, we are now able to treat gum disease even faster while protecting our patients from discomfort. This small device emits a highly-concentrated beam of light that can completely eliminate bacteria and even infected tissue in an instant. This tool is so precise that it leaves all of the surrounding healthy tissue untouched and sterilizes as it works, thereby reducing any bleeding or post-treatment pain/swelling that a patient might feel.