Maybe it’s been a few years since your last cleaning, and your gums are really red and sore.  Or maybe your gums bleed a lot when you brush and floss, and you’ve started to notice bad breath.  If this sounds like something you’ve experienced, call to schedule an appointment at Schultz Family Dental so that we can take a look at everything, and decide which treatment option is best for you!

Do I have Periodontal Disease?

As a part of your exam, Dr. Schultz will take a complete set of digital x-rays and will then complete a comprehensive periodontal examination, which includes using a special instrument to measure the health of your gum tissue and bone.  Based on her findings, she’ll determine a diagnosis and then discuss the treatment option that may be right for you!

Some signs of periodontal disease include:

• Red, inflamed gums that bleed when brushing or flossing
• Bad breath that isn’t relieved with brushing or mouthwash
• Large black triangles between your teeth (indicative of bone loss)
• Deep pockets in the gum tissue around the teeth where plaque, calculus (tartar), and bacteria are caught

When patients are diagnosed with periodontal (gum) disease, there are a variety of treatments indicated, depending on the severity of the gum disease. The most common and conservative treatment is known as ‘scaling and root planing. ‘

What is Scaling and Root Planing?

When gum disease occurs, a space known as a periodontal pocket can form, trapping bacteria inside. This can cause inflammation, bone loss, and even tooth loss!   During scaling and root planning (deep cleaning), these pockets will be cleaned by removing plaque and calculus (tartar) at and below the gum line, to facilitate the healing of your gum tissue, the prevention of bone loss, and the removal of bacteria causing the spread of disease.

After scaling and root planing has been completed, Dr. Schultz will then re-evaluate your bone and tissue levels to determine how well you’ve responded to therapy and to evaluate the need for any additional treatment, if necessary.

Don’t let this overwhelm you—Dr. Schultz and her team have your best interest and health at heart, and will guide you every step of the way.  Your mouth will definitely thank you!  Contact us today for more information!