Are you experiencing bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, gum sensitivity, or other signs that could indicate gum disease? Maybe you’ve already been diagnosed with periodontal disease and aren’t sure what steps to take next. At Summit Dental Excellence, our team provides personalized gum disease treatment in Oconomowoc to help protect your gums, teeth, and overall oral health.
Gum disease is one of the most common oral health conditions affecting adults. When caught early, it can often be managed with professional dental care and improved oral hygiene habits. More advanced periodontal disease may require additional treatment to control the infection and protect the tissues and bone supporting your teeth.
What Causes Gum Disease?
Gum disease typically begins when plaque—a sticky film containing bacteria—builds up along the teeth and gum line. Without proper brushing and flossing, plaque can remain on the teeth and eventually harden into tartar (calculus).
Unlike plaque, tartar cannot be removed with regular brushing and flossing. As bacteria and tartar accumulate around and beneath the gum line, the gums can become inflamed and irritated. Early gum disease is known as gingivitis. Without treatment, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more advanced form of gum disease that can damage the tissues and bone supporting your teeth.
Regular dental examinations and professional cleanings are essential for removing plaque and tartar and identifying signs of gum disease before the condition becomes more advanced.
Common Risk Factors for Gum Disease
Several factors can increase your risk of developing periodontal disease, including:
- Smoking and tobacco use
- Poor oral hygiene
- Diabetes
- Certain medications
- Hormonal changes
- Genetic factors and family history
- Certain medical conditions that affect the immune system
- Age and other individual health factors
Gum Disease Treatment Options
The appropriate treatment for gum disease depends on the severity of the condition and the health of your teeth, gums, and supporting bone. Our Oconomowoc dental team will evaluate your gums and recommend a treatment plan designed around your individual needs.
The primary goal of periodontal treatment is to reduce harmful bacteria, remove plaque and tartar, control inflammation, and help prevent additional damage to the tissues supporting your teeth.
Non-Surgical Gum Disease Treatment
Early-stage gum disease can often be managed with professional dental care and improved at-home oral hygiene. Depending on your condition, your dentist may recommend more frequent cleanings or a deeper periodontal cleaning.
Professional Dental Cleanings — Routine dental cleanings remove plaque and tartar from the surfaces of your teeth and along the gum line. If you’re experiencing gum disease or are at increased risk, we may recommend more frequent professional cleanings to help keep your gums healthy.
Scaling and Root Planing — Also known as a deep cleaning, scaling and root planing removes plaque and tartar from the teeth, including areas below the gum line. Local anesthetic may be used to help keep you comfortable during treatment. The root surfaces are then carefully cleaned and smoothed, making it more difficult for bacteria and plaque to accumulate and allowing the gums to heal.
Surgical Treatment for Advanced Gum Disease
When periodontal disease has progressed and non-surgical treatment is not enough, surgical treatment may be recommended. Depending on the severity of the condition, treatment options can include:
- Pocket reduction surgery: Helps reduce deep periodontal pockets where bacteria can accumulate.
- Soft tissue grafting: Helps restore or protect areas where gum tissue has receded.
- Guided tissue regeneration: May help encourage the regeneration of damaged tissues and supporting structures.
- Bone surgery: May be recommended when periodontal disease has caused significant damage to the bone supporting the teeth.
- Bone grafting: In certain advanced cases, bone grafting may be used to help restore areas affected by bone loss.
Protect Your Gums and Your Smile
Gum disease doesn’t have to mean losing your teeth. With early detection, professional treatment, and consistent oral hygiene at home, periodontal disease can often be managed and its progression slowed or prevented.
If you’re concerned about your gums or have noticed bleeding, swelling, tenderness, receding gums, or persistent bad breath, schedule an appointment with Summit Dental Excellence in Oconomowoc. Our team can evaluate your gum health and help you determine the right treatment to keep your smile healthy for years to come.
