Periodontal Treatment

Gum Disease Treatment in Arlington TX

Periodontics is the care of the gums and other areas surrounding the teeth. To have healthy teeth, it is absolutely vital to keep your gums clean and well-cared for.

Here at Greene & Ratcliff Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we are committed to offering quality dentistry to Arlington, TX. Our office can provide excellent periodontal care to you and your whole family.

Gum Disease

Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss. As such, it is important to recognize what it is and how it can affect you.

Periodontal disease is caused by a bacterial film called plaque. Every day this plaque builds up on our teeth, especially accumulating in hard-to-reach spaces. When it does, it begins to cause irritation to the gum tissue.

It comes in two main stages: gingivitis and periodontitis.

Gingivitis | Early-stage gum disease often seems relatively minor, and it is easily treated. Some of its symptoms are seen as inconveniences more than actual issues. These include:

• Swollen/puffy/red gums.
• Bleeding after brushing or flossing.
• Chronic bad breath.
• Receding gums.
• Tender gums.

Though gingivitis may be minor and easily reversed, it can lead directly to something much more severe, if left untreated.

Periodontitis | Periodontitis shares many symptoms with gingivitis, such as bleeding gums and soreness. However, it is a more advanced version of gum disease, and also often causes:

• More severe gum recession.
• Discolored gum tissue.
• Pus or other visible infection.
• Loosening of teeth.
• Loss of teeth.

When the irritation of your gums becomes this severe, they will begin to recede so dramatically that teeth can actually begin to loosen. Loose teeth allow plaque to descend further below the gum line. This will begin irritating even more gum tissue, and eventually those teeth can be permanently lost.

Periodontal Treatment

Prevention is often the most effective way to combat gum disease. We recommend getting a regular checkup at least twice a year. At these checkups, we will completely clean any plaque and tartar away from your teeth. This will clear up gum irritation and stop them from receding.

If you are already experiencing gum disease, a full, professional cleaning is still part of your treatment. Whatever else you have done to restore your teeth, it is vital to get the plaque-forming bacteria out of every nook and cranny.

Deep Scaling

As mentioned above, sometimes gum recession and tooth loosening can allow space for plaque bacteria to grow deep below the gumline. This will lead directly to tooth loss if not cleansed.

Here in our office, we can do what is called deep scaling. This means that we will actually clean below the gums, as well as above them, helping to restore you to complete health.

Cosmetic Gum Contouring

Gum recession can not only be uncomfortable, but it can also affect your smile. Greene & Ratcliff Family and Cosmetic Dentistry offers cosmetic gum contouring to counteract this effect of gum disease.

Using the highest quality techniques and technology, we can reshape your gum line to both feel better and look great.

Talk to Us About Gum Disease Treatment Today

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms of gum disease, contact us here at Greene & Ratcliff Family and Cosmetic Dentistry. No matter which stage of gum disease you are in, we will gladly help you achieve the healthy gums and teeth that you deserve!