Periodontal Treatment
A beautiful smile rests on a healthy foundation. Your gums and supporting bone do the essential work of keeping every tooth aligned and secure. When infection threatens that foundation, timely treatment can make all the difference. Our gum disease care focuses on eliminating infection, promoting healing, and maintaining long-term stability so your teeth can continue to serve you well.
Healthy Gums in Ft. Pierce
Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, develops when bacteria collect along and beneath the gumline, irritating the tissues and triggering inflammation. What begins as mild irritation can gradually compromise the support system that keeps your teeth secure.
There are two primary stages of gum disease:
What Is Gum Disease?
Gingivitis is the earliest stage and the most responsive to treatment. You may notice redness, swelling, or bleeding when brushing or flossing. At this point, the bone supporting your teeth remains healthy. With professional care and improved home hygiene, the gums can often return to a stable, healthy state.
Gingivitis
Periodontitis
If gingivitis is left untreated, the infection can move deeper. The gums begin to pull away from the teeth, forming pockets that trap bacteria. This can lead to bone loss and weakening of the tooth’s foundation. Modern research has allowed the recovery of some lost periodontal tissues, but not in all cases. While periodontitis cannot be fully reversed, however, it can be carefully managed to prevent further damage.
Signs Your Gums May Be Under Stress
Gum disease does not always cause discomfort in its early stages. That is why routine dental visits are so important. Warning signs may include:
Bleeding when brushing or flossing
Gums that appear red, swollen, or tender
Persistent bad breath
Receding gumlines
Teeth that feel loose or shift slightly
Changes in your bite
If you notice any of these symptoms, an evaluation allows us to assess the health of your gums and determine the right course of action.
Our Approach to Gum Disease Treatment
Protecting the foundation of your smile requires a thoughtful and personalized plan. We begin with a comprehensive periodontal evaluation, measuring pocket depths around each tooth and reviewing digital X-rays to assess bone support. This allows us to identify areas of concern and design treatment that targets infection while preserving healthy tissue.
For patients with early to moderate periodontitis, scaling and root planing is often the next step. This deep cleaning removes plaque and hardened buildup from below the gumline and smooths the root surface to discourage bacteria from reattaching.
By eliminating infection at its source, we create an environment where the gums can begin to heal and reattach more securely to the teeth. Our team prioritizes your comfort throughout the process and explains each step so you feel confident moving forward.
Scaling and Root Planing
Periodontal Maintenance: Protecting Your Progress
Once active infection has been controlled, ongoing maintenance becomes essential. Periodontal maintenance visits are more detailed than routine cleanings because they focus on protecting areas that have previously been affected.
These visits are often recommended every three to four months, depending on your individual needs. Consistent monitoring helps us preserve the stability you have worked to restore and prevent reinfection from compromising your results.
Why Early Treatment Matters
When gum disease progresses unchecked, it weakness the support system beneath your teeth. This can lead to tooth mobility and even tooth loss. Addressing the problem early allows us to intervene before more advanced treatment becomes necessary.
Healthy gums also contribute to overall health. Ongoing research continues to explore connections between periodontal disease and systemic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. Supporting your gum health supports your body as a whole.
Protect Your Smile in Fort Pierce
Your gums work hard every day to support your teeth. When they need attention, timely care can make all the difference. We believe in proactive treatment and personalized care that helps our Fort Pierce patients feel informed and confident.
If you have concerns about your gum health or are due for an evaluation, call our office to schedule your visit. We are here to protect the foundation of your smile with skill and compassion.