Get Healthier Gums with Periodontal Care and Specialty Gum Treatments

Did you know that 80% of American adults have gum (periodontal) disease? If you experience inflammation, bleeding gums, or discomfort, you may need to see a periodontist at Groton Windham Dental Group periodontists in Connecticut to improve your oral health.
Get Healthier Gums with Periodontal Care and Specialty Gum Treatments
Gum Treatments

Why Gum Treatments?

Periodontal disease, or gum disease, starts from plaque build-up on the teeth that occurs daily. The harmful bacteria in plaque irritate the gums, causing gum infection, redness, swelling, and bleeding when brushing, flossing, or chewing. Early stages of gum disease, also known as gingivitis, may present as swollen or bleeding gums. If left untreated, this active bacterial infection can advance to periodontal disease that destroys the bone that supports your teeth, resulting in receding gums, bone loss,  and tooth loss.

Studies show that there is a strong connection between gum disease and an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, low birth weight, and premature birth. You can lower your risk of  these medical conditions by maintaining healthy gums and teeth with good oral hygiene and routine dental visits in order to identify the early signs of gum disease and treat it before it advances.

What to Expect

BeforeTreatment

Before starting a gum treatment, you should identify which stage of gum disease you are in. Periodontal treatment methods depend upon the type and severity of the disease. Your dentist and dental hygienist at Groton Windham Dental Group will evaluate for periodontal disease and recommend the appropriate gum disease treatment.

How To Prevent Gum Disease:

We’ll always kee p an eye on the condition of your gums during your regular checkup. With a proper exam and x-rays, your dental care team will be able to identify the signs early and treat it before it turns into anything serious. Thankfully, the best ways to take care of your gums involve many of the things you are already doing: 

  • Flossing at least once a day to clean plaque and tartar from between your teeth.

  • Brushing your teeth at least twice a day for 2 minutes and paying special attention to brush where your teeth and gums meet.

  • Minimizing your consumption of sugary snacks and beverages.

  • Staying hydrated to prevent dry mouth and increased plaque development

  • Visiting Southern Connecticut Dental Group at least twice a year for preventative checkups.  

Before Treatment: 

Before starting any gum (periodontal) treatment, your dentist and dental hygienist at Groton Windham Dental Group will evaluate you for periodontal disease and recommend the appropriate gum disease treatment. 

Some of the early signs of gum disease include red, swollen, or tender gums that bleed when you clean them. This means that the soft tissue is under attack by an infection, and the only way to address it is to treat the area directly.  Periodontal treatment methods depend upon the type and severity of the disease. Your dentist and dental hygienist at Groton Windham Dental Group will evaluate you for periodontal disease and recommend the appropriate gum disease treatment(s).

DuringTreatment

Periodontal therapy typically starts with a deep cleaning that targets the area above and below your gum line, where flossing, brushing, and a routine cleaning cannot reach. Our qualified dental hygienists and dentists will remove the plaque, calculus (tartar), and bacteria hiding below the gum line and on the surface of the teeth and roots. 

This is made up of two procedures done at the same time: scaling and root planing. For scaling, we’ll use specialized tools to break up plaque and tartar that have built up along and under your gum line. Then, we’ll smooth the rough surfaces of your roots with root planing, making it much less likely for the gum disease to advance.  

AfterTreatment

Gum treatment can be lifesaving. By eliminating the bacteria, the swelling of your gums will decrease the likelihood of other serious conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancers will also be reduced. Most, if not all, bleeding will stop, and the gum tissue will reattach to the teeth, preventing further bone and tooth loss.

After your visit, you may experience some soreness. Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever and drinking plenty of fluids will reduce this discomfort.

Your First Visit

Modern Dentistry

Modern Dentistry

All the latest technology can be found at both our Groton and Willimantic dental offices.
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Judgment-Free Office

We're here to help you feel confident in your smile. We provide a safe, judge-free zone for any dental issue or concern you have.
On Your Schedule

On Your Schedule

Taking care of your dental health should fit within your schedule. We are open late and on weekends so you can get the care you need.

Insurance
and Financing

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What are non-surgical gum treatments?
  • Professional dental cleaning – removes plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line.
  • Scaling and root planing – under local anesthetic, plaque, and tartar are removed and scraped away (scaling), and teeth that have rough spots are smoothed (planing).
What is surgical periodontal therapy?

Typically, scaling and planing will treat gum disease. However, surgical treatment is needed when unhealthy tissue around the teeth cannot be restored without surgery.

  • Flap surgery/pocket reduction
  • Bone grafts
  • Soft tissue grafts
  • Guided tissue regeneration
  • Bone surgery
What are the risk factors for periodontal disease?
  • Tobacco use
  • Poor dental hygiene
  • Poor nutrition
  • Stress
  • Diabetes
  • Certain medications, including steroids, oral contraceptives, or blood pressure medication
  • Genetics
  • HIV infection