Non-surgical Gum Disease Treatment
Restore Your Gum Health
Protect Your Oral Health With Gum Disease Treatment in East Lyme
Bleeding gums aren't something to ignore. If your gums bleed when you floss, feel swollen, or seem to be pulling away from your teeth, your body is telling you something's wrong. You may have an infection in your gums. Gum disease treatment in East Lyme can remove harmful bacteria and stop the infection before it gets worse.
Gum disease doesn't stay contained if you ignore it. Left untreated, it can damage the bone holding your teeth in place. It's even been linked to health issues like heart disease. The earlier you address it, the better your chance of saving your smile and protecting your health.
The good news is, you don't need surgery to treat most gum disease. Our dentists can stop the disease from progressing with gentle and effective treatment methods.
Discover the Treatments That Will Restore Your Gum Health
Our non-surgical gum treatments will remove bacteria and calm inflammation. You'll get a personalized plan tailored to the severity of your gum disease. If you feel nervous, we have sedation available to ease anxiety. We also have cozy amenities, like warm blankets, to help you feel at home.
Your dentist may recommend:
- Scaling and Root Planing - This deep cleaning goes beneath your gumline to remove bacteria and buildup that regular brushing can't touch. Your dentist performs this under local anesthetic, so you stay comfortable throughout.
- Arestin Antibiotic Therapy - For deeper infections, your dentist may place a time-release antibiotic directly below your gumline. This medication works continuously over several weeks to fight infection from the inside.
- Antimicrobial Irrigation - This gentle flushing technique clears bacteria from below your gumline for extra protection. It works alongside other treatments to reduce your risk of reinfection.
- Periodontal Maintenance - Once your initial treatment is complete, you'll return regularly for follow-up care. These visits let your dentist monitor your healing and catch any signs of reinfection early.
- Preventive Care Planning - Your dentist will recommend a home care routine based on your specific needs. You'll know exactly what to do between visits to maintain your results.
Addressing gum disease early protects more than your smile. It protects your long-term health, too. Don't wait to visit us for help if you believe you need gum disease treatment in East Lyme.
Common Questions About Gum Disease Treatment
Q What are the early signs of gum disease?
Early signs of gum disease include bleeding gums, ongoing bad breath, and gums that look swollen or red. You might also notice your gums pulling away from your teeth over time. Your dentist can confirm gum disease during a routine exam, even in its early stages. Catching it early makes treatment simpler and protects your teeth in the long term.
Q Is gum disease treatment painful?
Gum disease treatment is not painful. Procedures such as scaling and root planing are performed under local anesthesia. You may notice some sensitivity for a day or two afterward, which is normal. Your dentist will discuss what to expect based on your specific treatment. You'll find the process far more manageable than you expected. Sedation is also available to ease anxiety.
Q Can gum disease be reversed?
Early-stage gum disease, known as gingivitis, can often be reversed with professional cleaning and good home care. More advanced gum disease can be managed and controlled, even if some damage isn't fully reversible. That's why catching it early matters so much. Your dentist can tell you where your gum health currently stands and what's possible from there.
Q What is scaling and root planing?
Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning procedure that removes bacteria and buildup from below your gumline. It's performed under local anesthetic, so you stay comfortable throughout. This treatment smooths the tooth root, making it harder for bacteria to reattach. Most patients notice reduced inflammation and bleeding once healing begins.
Q How does Arestin help treat gum disease?
Arestin is a time-release antibiotic that your dentist places directly below your gumline during treatment. It works continuously over several weeks to fight infection from within the gum tissue. This targeted approach provides additional protection alongside other treatments, such as deep cleaning. Your dentist will let you know if Arestin is a good fit for your situation.
Q Why do you need more frequent visits after gum disease treatment?
You need more frequent visits after gum disease treatment because your gums need ongoing monitoring to prevent reinfection. Periodontal maintenance visits, typically every three to four months, let your dentist check your healing progress. These visits also catch any new issues before they become serious again. Staying consistent protects the results you've worked to achieve.
Q Is gum disease really linked to other health problems?
Yes, research has linked gum disease to health issues like heart disease and diabetes. The bacteria and inflammation associated with periodontal disease don't always stay contained to your mouth. Treating gum disease early may help lower your risk of these related health concerns. Your dentist can talk through this connection in more detail during your visit.
Q Can gum disease cause you to lose your teeth?
Untreated gum disease can eventually lead to tooth loss. As the infection progresses, it can break down the bone that holds your teeth in place. Non-surgical treatment aims to stop this process before it reaches that point. The earlier you seek treatment, the better your chances of protecting your natural teeth.