Do your gums bleed when you brush or floss? Are your gums sensitive? At Katy Smile Designs, Dr. Catherine Wilder and Dr. Lauren Shepard offer periodontal disease treatment in Katy, TX. Periodontitis, or gum disease, begins with gum inflammation. Gum inflammation, or gingivitis, can cause bleeding and irritated gums. Periodontal treatment restores the teeth and gums through antibacterial rinses, scaling and root planing, and laser dentistry. But what should patients look out for when it comes to gingivitis and periodontitis?
Signs of Gum Disease
Symptoms of gingivitis and periodontitis include:
- Red and bleeding gums
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Gum sensitivity and swelling
- Loose teeth
- Tender gums
- Toothaches
- Gum recession
- Bone loss
Please contact our office as soon as you notice gum sensitivity or swelling. Gum disease can be reversed in the earliest stages. However, it is more difficult to treat patients with severe periodontal problems.
Periodontal Treatments
There are a variety of treatments that we offer for gum inflammation and infection:
- Antibacterial rinses: For patients with gingivitis, we offer antibacterial rinses. These rinses provide a gentle treatment for patients who have red, swollen, or irritated gums. They remove harmful bacteria from the teeth and gums and can help stop gum disease from developing.
- Scaling and Root Planing: Used in tandem, scaling and root planing are treatments that help remove harmful bacteria for a deep clean. For scaling, our team uses specialized tools to remove plaque, a sticky bacterial film, from around the gums. Root planing goes beneath the gums, smoothing the tooth roots and removing plaque buildup. Planing also helps combat gum recession.
Request a Dental Consultation
If you have noticed that your gums are swollen, red, or sensitive, call our office for a consultation. You can contact Katy Smile Design today at 281.843.9814. Alternatively, you can request a dental appointment with Dr. Wilder and Dr. Shepard on our website.