Gum Therapy

Gum Therapy and Periodontal Maintenance in Austin and Round Rock TX

At Forest Family Dentistry we provide gum therapy and periodontal maintenance across all five of our Austin and Round Rock locations for patients dealing with gum disease at any stage. Gum disease is one of the most common dental conditions in adults and the tricky part is that it often develops quietly, without pain or obvious symptoms, until it has already started causing real damage. The good nes is that with the right treatment it is very manageable, and our team is here to help you get your gum health back on track.

‍

What Is Gum Therapy?

Gum therapy, also called scaling and root planing, is a deep cleaning treatment that goes below the gumline to remove the plaque, bacteria, and hardened tartar that regular brushing and flossing simply cannot reach. Once that buildup is removed, the root surfaces of the teeth are smoothed so that gum tissue can heal properly and reattach, reducing the pockeets where bacteria like to hid and cause ongoing damage. It is a non-surgical treatment and for most patients with early to moderate gum disease it is highly effective on its own.

‍

What to Expect During Treatment

Your comfort is always the priority. We gently numb the area before we begin so you should not feel anything beyond mild pressure during the procedure. Most patients complete their treatment over two appointments, treating one side of the mouth at each visit so the other side can begin healing while we work. After treatment many patients notice their gums feel less puffy and tender within just a week or two as the inflammation starts to resolve.

‍

What Is Periodontal Maintenance?

Once gum therapy is complete the work does not stop there. Patients with a history of gum disease are more susceptible to it returning, which is why we recommend periodontal maintenance visits every three to four months rather than the standard six month cleaning schedule. These visits are more thorough than a routine cleaning and focus specifically on monitoring pocket depths, controlling bacterial buildup below the gumline, and catching any signs of recurrence early before they become a bigger problem. With consistent maintenance most patients are able to keep their gum disease well controlled and their natural teeth for life.

‍

Signs You May Need Gum Therapy

Gums that bleed when you brush or floss, persistent bad breath that does not go away with normal hygiene, gum recession that is making your teeth look longer than they used to, sensitivity near the gumline, or teeth that feel loose are all signs worth taking seriously. None of these symptoms are normal and all of them are worth bringin up at your next visit. The earlier we catch gum disease the simpler and more comfortable the treatment tends to be.

‍

Gum Disease Treatment at Forest Family Dentistry

Our Austin and Round Rock hygiene teams use gentle techniques and modern technology to treat gum disease at every stage. We create personalized care plans based on what we actually see rather than a one size fits all approach, and we will always explain exactly what is happening and why before we recommend any treatment.

‍

If you have been told you need a deep cleaning or you have concerns about your gum health in Austin or Round Rock TX, do not put it off. Give us a call or book online at your nearest Forest Family Dentistry location and we will take great care of you.