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Locations in AR, TN, MO

Periodontal Disease Therapy

Periodontal Gum Disease

Periodontal disease (gum disease) is the leading cause of tooth loss in US adults. As a result, Dr. Higginbotham and his associates have an extensive periodontal department. At your first appointment, a hygienist will assess your gums for signs of disease – here are some answers to questions you might have before you visit the office. 

What is Periodontal Gum Disease?

Periodontal gum disease is an infection of the gum tissue surrounding your teeth. It’s usually caused by plaque buildup on your teeth, which causes bacteria to grow and disturb the gum tissue holding your teeth in place. 

The warning signs of periodontal disease include:

  • bad breath
  • gum swelling 
  • bleeding gums 
  • bad taste in your mouth
  • loose teeth
  • gum abscesses  

What Happens if it Untreated?

If periodontal gum disease goes untreated, it can lead to long-term, permanent dental problems including:

  • jaw bone damage
  • tooth loss 

You may also develop painful ulcers and abscesses which require more invasive therapy to treat.  

Can it be Reversed? 

Once gum disease advances from Gingivitis to the periodontal stage, it is not reversible. However, it is manageable. You will need professional gum disease treatment to control the condition. Treatment may include:

  • plaque removal
  • scaling and root planing
  • laser therapy 
  • education on preventative care

Higginbotham Family Dental offers scaling and root planing, laser therapy, and gum disease treatment at our office locations. Contact us to book your appointment.

How Does The Hygienist Check for Gum Disease?

The hygienist will check your gums, and see how deep the pockets are and how much buildup is present. We will then show you photographs as well as x-rays. We want to make sure patients understand the diagnosis and treatment recommendations. If we detect problems, gum therapy may include preventive care, scaling, root planing, and/or Arestin antibiotics. Severe periodontal cases may require surgery. Some patients may be a little nervous about the gum disease therapy treatment, but we offer a wide variety of calming amenities for these visits.

We have things like virtual reality goggles, massaging chairs, and gas that we can offer to make it the best dental experience during treatment. To learn more about amenities we offer during periodontal gum disease treatment, visit our FAQ’s page

Rest assured, gum disease can be treated, reversed, and damaged tissue repaired with periodontal therapy. However, early treatment is best because gum disease is linked to an increased risk of stroke, heart disease, and pregnancy complications.

Gingivitis

When patients brush their teeth and find that their gums are swollen, tender, red, or bleed, a likely diagnosis is gingivitis. 

Gingivitis is an early warning sign of gum problems. It can also cause bad breath which should be investigated by a dentist. If left untreated, gingivitis can degenerate into periodontal disease. At this stage, with proper treatment at our office, we can reverse the symptoms and restore you to a healthy smile. Call or text today to schedule your checkup or bi-annual hygiene appointment.

If you would like to apply for a 0% interest Dental Payment Plan to help cover the costs of periodontal gum disease treatment, you can apply on our website. Or to apply for a third-party financing plan, you can go to Carecredit.com.

Gum Disease