If you’re noticing soreness in your gums or feel like your teeth are loose, it’s likely a sign of gum disease. The function of the gums is to provide support for the teeth. When a gum infection occurs, the support provided by the gums can be lost. Treating the gum infection protects the teeth and preserves a healthy smile.
In this blog post, you will learn how to treat gum disease and what is involved in its treatment. Additionally, you will gain valuable tips on caring for your gums after treatment.
Why Treatment Matters
Gum disease starts when bacteria in plaque irritate the gingival tissue (the tissue surrounding your teeth). Early warning signs of gum disease include redness, swelling, and bleeding of the gingival tissues when brushing. As the disease advances without treatment, the infection spreads deeper into the tissue, and the teeth become loose from the bone.
Once gum disease has progressed below the gumline, simply cleaning your teeth will not be enough to treat it. Therefore, gum disease treatment in New York, NY, is essential because the goal is to remove all hidden plaque and restore the gums to a healthy condition, thereby supporting the health of your teeth.
Types of Treatment for Gum Disease
When determining the appropriate treatment for gum disease, your dentist or a gum specialist will assess the stage of the condition. Treatment options include:
- Scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) – This procedure includes the removal of plaque and tartar below the gumline, as well as smoothing the tooth roots to help the gums reattach, thereby reducing pocket depth and inflammation.
- Antibiotic Therapy – In some cases, the dentist may place a topical medication in the gum pockets or prescribe mouth rinses or pills to reduce infection.
- Laser therapy or surgical treatments — If the disease reaches the bone or deep pockets, laser therapy or surgery may be needed. This involves lifting the gums, cleaning the roots, and possibly grafting tissue.
Most treatments happen in one or more visits. Your dentist may numb your gums so you stay comfortable during cleaning or cleaning plus smoothing.
What You Might Feel and What’s Normal
It is normal to experience gum tenderness following treatment. You may also feel mild discomfort for 1-2 days after treatment; tooth sensitivity can last for up to a week. Swelling or bleeding of the gums is also common following treatment. These reactions are part of the healing process, and it is expected that these symptoms will gradually improve on their own. If you experience severe or intense pain, excessive bleeding, or swelling that gets worse, please get in touch with your dentist.
Post‑Treatment Care for Gum Disease
You need to continue to care for your gums to ensure they heal and remain healthy.
- Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and brush around the treated areas with extra gentle care for at least one day after gum disease treatment in New York, NY, or for as long as your dentist recommends.
- When you start flossing again, do so very gently around the treated areas for 2-3 days after treatment.
- If your dentist has recommended an antimicrobial mouthwash, follow their instructions for rinsing. Strong rinses should not be used.
- Eat soft foods during the first few days after treatment. Avoid hot, crunchy, or spicy foods for at least this period. Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol.
- If you require pain relief, use only over-the-counter medications that are safe for you to take. If you notice swelling, place ice on the cheek opposite the treatment site.
- Do not smoke or use tobacco products; using tobacco slows the healing process and increases the chances of infection.
You must return to the dentist for follow-up visits so they can assess the healing of your gums. Your dentist can also provide another cleaning and measure the depth of the gum pockets.
Supporting Your Gums
Your treatment isn’t the end of your responsibilities; to keep your gums healthy, you need to provide daily care. This includes brushing your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush, flossing at least once a day, and rinsing if desired.
Regular dental cleaning appointments also help keep your gums healthy. Most dentists recommend seeing you every 3-6 months to help identify any new issues with your gums.
By keeping your gums clean, you prevent bacteria from building up. That lowers the chances of gum infection returning. It also reduces risk to bone and tooth support over time.
What a Healthy Gum Looks Like
After successful gum disease treatment in New York, NY, and regular maintenance, your gums will tend to return from red and swollen to a pink, healthy color. You will have less bleeding while brushing, fresher breath, and, most importantly, feel that your teeth are stable.
Over time, gum pockets shrink. Healthy gums and healthy, clean teeth work together to keep your smile looking its best!
Need Help Achieving Healthy Gums?
To help maintain the strength of your smile and continue providing overall health benefits, now is the time to schedule an appointment with your dentist. Good dental care combined with regular professional care is your best line of defence against gum disease.
Oral Dental Studio in New York, NY, is here to help with gentle treatment and thoughtful follow-up.
Contact our team today to book your first dental appointment and start your journey towards having healthy gums!
FAQs
How do gingivitis and periodontitis differ?
The primary difference is that gingivitis occurs only in the gums, while periodontitis involves the bone and may involve the tissue beneath the gums, leading to tooth extraction.
Does scaling and root planing hurt?
The area will be numbed before the procedure, so you should have little feeling during the procedure. However, your gums may feel sore for 2–3 days following the procedure.
When can I return to eating normally after treatment?
You will be able to eat soft foods the same day (or next) as the procedure. Avoid hard/crunchy/spicy foods for 2–3 days after the procedure.
Can gum disease come back after treatment?
Yes, bacteria can return if you do not take care of your teeth and gums; however, routine brushing and dental check-ups will help prevent this.
What happens if I still have problems after treatment?
If you still have deep pockets or have experienced bone loss after the initial treatment, additional treatment may be necessary, as per your dentist.
When should I schedule my next follow-up appointment with my dentist after treatment?
It is recommended to get follow-up appointments every 3–6 months to monitor your gum health.
