Effective Care for Healthy Teeth and Gums

If you have been previously diagnosed with gum disease or suspect you might have gum disease, we offer effective treatment to help you maintain healthy teeth and gums. If gum disease is left untreated, it can lead to serious oral and systemic health issues, including tooth loss and bad breath. Our comprehensive approach, including scaling and root planing, targets the root cause of gum disease, removes plaque and calculus, and allows for proper healing of the gum tissues. We are dedicated to providing personalized care to restore your gum health and prevent further complications. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have gum disease? 

The following are common signs of gum disease: 

• Red, swollen, bleeding gums 
• Persistent bad breath 
• Gum recession 
• Loose teeth 
• Changes in bite alignment 

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to schedule an appointment for a thorough evaluation. We are here to help you. 

What causes gum disease? 

Gum disease is caused by a buildup of plaque and calculus (tartar), which irritates and damages the gums. There are many factors that can contribute to gum disease including poor oral hygiene, smoking, certain medical conditions, and genetic factors. 

Is gum disease treatment painful? 

The treatment of gum disease, including scaling and root planing, is generally well-tolerated. We use local anesthesia to numb the area of your gums that we will be cleaning to ensure maximum comfort throughout the procedure. Here at Flossen Family Dental we also offer laughing gas to help ease any anxiety you might have about the procedure. 

Is it normal to be sore after gum disease treatment? 

Soreness is normal for a few days following gum disease treatment. We recommend warm saltwater rinses to help the gums heal following scaling and root planing. 

How do you identify gum disease? 

We use several resources to assess the health of your gums. These include: 

• Reviewing medical history – Several risk factors including genetics, medications, and smoking, can increase the chance of developing gum disease. 
• Examining your teeth and gums – There are several signs of gum disease we look for such as severe plaque/calculus buildup and gums that bleed easily. 
• Measuring gum pocket depths – We use a dental probe to measure the distance between the top of the gums and the attachment of your gums to your teeth. Normal, healthy gums have a pocket depth of 1-3mm. Mild gum disease is indicated by depths of 4 and 5mm. Moderate gum disease is indicated by depths of 6 and 7mm. Severe gum disease is indicated by depths of 8+mm. 
• Dental X-Rays – Lastly, Dental x-rays allow us to determine if any bone has been lost due to gum disease and if so, how much. 

How can my dentist reduce my chance of developing periodontal disease? 

• Regular cleanings 
• Comprehensive exams 
• Oral Hygiene Advice 
• Scaling and Root Planing 
• Monitoring for changes 
• Lifestyle and homecare advice