Gum Disease Treatment
Focused periodontal care that treats gum disease early and protects the foundation your smile is built on.
Gum disease develops when plaque and tartar buildup harbor harmful bacteria that infect your gum tissue. Early stages may cause no symptoms, making regular professional cleanings essential for detection. If left untreated, gum disease progresses from gingivitis through periodontitis, ultimately causing bone loss and tooth loss. Mercado Dental Studio provides comprehensive treatment for all stages of gum disease.
We customize treatment based on disease severity. Early-stage gingivitis often responds to more frequent professional cleanings. Moderate periodontitis requires scaling and root planing to remove bacteria below the gumline. Advanced cases may require laser therapy, medication delivery, or surgical intervention combined with ongoing maintenance.
Research links untreated periodontitis to increased risk of stroke and heart attack. Treating gum disease is not just about saving your teeth, it's about protecting your overall health.
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Understanding Gum Disease Progression
Gum disease has three stages. Gingivitis is inflammation of the gum tissue caused by plaque and tartar buildup. Pockets form around teeth, measuring 3mm or more. Symptoms may include bleeding gums while brushing, swollen or tender gums, and persistent bad breath. Fortunately, gingivitis is reversible with aggressive professional cleaning and improved home care.
Periodontitis develops when gingivitis is untreated. Prolonged exposure to bacteria causes larger gaps between gums and teeth, and bone loss begins. Gums bleed more easily, and teeth may feel loose. Advanced periodontitis involves severe bone loss, bacterial infection reaching tooth roots, and teeth becoming dangerously mobile. At this stage, tooth loss is likely without immediate aggressive treatment.
Early detection is critical. Regular professional cleanings and exams catch gum disease in early stages when treatment is most effective. If you notice bleeding, swelling, or other gum symptoms, contact us immediately.
Gum Disease Treatment Options
Early-stage gingivitis is treated with more frequent professional cleanings, typically every 3-4 months instead of the standard six months. These aggressive cleanings remove tartar before serious damage occurs. We provide guidance on proper brushing and flossing to control plaque at home.
Moderate periodontitis requires dental scaling, a deep cleaning procedure that removes plaque and tartar below the gumline. Scaling is administered with local anesthetic for comfort. We may also use root planing to smooth tooth root surfaces, making it harder for bacteria to reattach. Additional treatment options include antibiotic-loaded medication delivery systems that place medication deeper under the gums.
Advanced periodontitis may require laser therapy to eliminate bacterial damage or oral surgery for grafting and gum reconstruction. Regardless of disease stage, treatment focuses on eliminating infection, stopping bone loss, and saving teeth. Following initial treatment, regular maintenance appointments are essential to prevent disease recurrence.
Stop Gum Disease Before It Progresses
Schedule an appointment if you notice any signs of gum disease.