Gum Disease Treatment Bellaire

Giving Your Gums Greater Protection

Close up of a mouth with red gums before gum disease treatment in Bellaire

While it might seem as if much of the focus is on ensuring the health of your pearly whites, the truth is that without a strong foundation, your smile would fall apart. In other words, your gums serve a valuable purpose of not only protecting your roots but also helping to hold your teeth in place as well. That’s why it’s so important to keep an eye out for abnormal symptoms, like swelling and bleeding! This will ensure that we can provide gum disease treatment in the early stages.

Why Choose Stacy Hebert-Schoener, DDS for Gum Disease Treatment?

  • Dedicated to Making Each Patient Feel Comfortable
  • Antibiotic Treatment for Improved Recovery
  • We Are In-Network with Many Dental Insurance Plans

What is Gum Disease?

Woman in white robe looking at gums in reflection

It’s estimated that roughly 50% of American adults have gum disease, but what is it? In short, it’s an infection in the gums that develops due to bad bacteria. In the early stages, this can lead to swollen, tender, and bleeding gums. However, if it isn’t treated promptly, it can lead to tooth loss. So, if you suspect that you may benefit from gum disease treatment, call our office! Dr. Stacy has the solutions and technologies to give your gums the protection they need.

Symptoms of Gum Disease

Illustration of a tooth with healthy gums on one side and red swollen gums on the other

Should you notice any of these signs, don’t hesitate to call and schedule an appointment:

  • Bleeding, tender, and swollen gums
  • Gums that appear red
  • Chronic bad breath
  • Gum recession that causes teeth to appear longer than before
  • Loose teeth
  • Pain while chewing

How Do We Treat Gum Disease?

Patient looking at reflection in mirror with dentist

We actually offer two different types of gum disease treatment in Bellaire! During your consultation, we will discuss each of them in-depth (and share which one we recommend for you). In the meantime, however, you can read on to learn a little bit more.

Scaling & Root Planing

Illustration of a dental scaler clearing tartar buildup from the gumline

Scaling and root planing is also known as deep cleaning and is performed when periodontitis occurs. This advanced form of gum disease can result in bone and tooth loss if left untreated, so our team will recommend this two-step method of care. Scaling involves the removal of hardened plaque and tartar from teeth above and below the gumline. Root planing requires that the roots of teeth be smoothed out so that reattachment of the gums can occur. This process also helps to minimize possible reinfection in the future.

Antibiotic Treatment

Dentist performing gum disease treatment on a patient

Oftentimes, after scaling and root planing, Dr. Stacy will recommend antibiotic treatment. Using prescribed medicine that is applied to the gum pockets, it will be released over time to target bacteria in hard-to-reach places, allowing for improved healing. This additional form of gum disease treatment may not always be required, but it is highly effective in making sure bad oral bacteria are eliminated so that gums can improve over time.