When left untreated, gum disease, or periodontal disease, can result in the loss of teeth, bone, gums and tissues. If you’ve been diagnosed with gingivitis or periodontitis, it’s important to seek treatment for gum disease. At Red Bank Smiles in Red Bank, NJ, we provide a full range of protective, restorative and replacement services to improve your dental health and smile. Call us today at 732-741-1052 to inquire about our dental health services.
When it comes to gum disease treatment, our main goal is to control the infection. Depending on the stage of the disease, we may recommend different courses of treatment. In many cases, we’ll perform a deep cleaning of the tooth below the gum line – otherwise known as scaling and root planing.
During a deep cleaning, we’ll remove the plaque and tartar above and below the gum line. This process is called “scaling.” Root planing, on the other hand, involves smoothing out the rough spots on the tooth root that serve as breeding grounds for bacteria to help the gums reattach to the tooth and eliminate germs. Based on the current stage of gum disease, multiple scaling and root planing procedures may be necessary to effectively remove plaque and tartar.
In addition to deep-cleaning procedures, you may also be prescribed medications. Some common medications include:
If gum disease cannot be controlled by scaling, root planing or medication, surgical intervention may be necessary to reduce the size of the periodontal pocket or to perform bone and tissue grafts. If you’ve experienced tooth loss as a result of gum disease, the team at Red Bank Smiles can help replace missing teeth with implants, bridges or dentures.
To see which gum disease treatment option is right for you, schedule an appointment at Red Bank Smiles today.