Gum Disease Treatment
Dentist Bend, OR
 Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, often progresses silently until significant tooth and tissue damage occurs. From mild inflammation to serious infections that threaten tooth stability, understanding and addressing this condition is crucial for maintaining both oral and overall health.
Lone Pine Dental offers a wide range of effective periodontal treatments for each stage of gum disease. Whether you're in the early stages of gum disease, or facing more advanced symptoms, we offer solutions to help restore the health of your smile.
Understanding Gum Disease: Stages and Symptoms
Gum disease typically develops in stages. It begins with gingivitis, which is a mild, reversible form. Gum disease can then potentially progress into the more advanced stage of periodontitis, which can result in tooth loss if left untreated. Recognizing early warning signs can lead to timely treatment of periodontal disease and better outcomes for the long term.
Tooth Sensitivity
If you experience discomfort when consuming hot or cold foods and beverages, you may have tooth sensitivity. This is often caused by exposed tooth roots or worn enamel. This can be an early indicator of gum recession linked to periodontal disease.
Swollen Gums
Red, tender, or swollen gums are among the first signs of gum disease. Healthy gums are firm and pink, so if yours appear red and feel soft while brushing, it could indicate inflammation caused by bacterial buildup.
Bad Breath
Chronic bad breath (halitosis) is often linked to gum disease. As gums recede and bacteria accumulate in pockets around the teeth, the resulting infection can produce unpleasant odors, no matter how often you brush your teeth.
Pain While Chewing
Chewing should not cause pain. Discomfort while eating may signal a dental infection or damaged tooth structure, potentially due to advancing gum disease.
Loose Teeth
In adults, loose teeth are a serious warning sign. As bacteria attack the bone and soft tissue supporting your teeth, periodontal pockets form and teeth can shift or become mobile, leading to tooth loss without intervention.
Shrinking Gums
As periodontal disease progresses, the gums begin to recede, exposing more of the tooth surface. This creates deeper pockets where bacteria thrive, accelerating bone loss and loosening teeth.
Gum Disease Treatment Options in Bend
At Lone Pine Dentistry in Bend, we approach gum disease treatment with a focus on the least invasive methods first, in accordance with guidelines from the American Academy of Periodontology. Non-surgical treatments are typically effective in early stages, while surgical intervention may be necessary for more advanced cases.
Non-Surgical Treatments for Gum Disease
Not every case of gum disease requires surgery. In its early stages, non-surgical therapies can significantly reduce inflammation, eliminate infection, and promote gum healing. After treatment, we'll schedule a follow-up to evaluate healing progress. In successful cases, patients transition to a three-month periodontal maintenance schedule to keep symptoms under control. Depending on your needs, we may also recommend at-home care routines or adjunctive therapies.
Antibiotics
Topical or oral antibiotics help reduce bacterial infection in the gums. They may be prescribed as a mouth rinse, gel applied to the gums, or in pill form, depending on the severity of the disease.
Scaling and Root Planing
This deep cleaning technique removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline and smooths the root surfaces to discourage further bacterial growth.
Scaling and root planing is often the first line of defense against moderate gum disease. Unlike routine dental cleanings, this procedure reaches deeper to clean the tooth roots. It helps reduce pocket depth, control infection, and promote healing.
Tray Delivery Systems
As a supplement to scaling and root planing, tray delivery systems offer a convenient at-home method for applying medicated gels directly to the gums. Custom trays are designed using impressions of your mouth, ensuring targeted delivery of the medication. While not a stand alone treatment, this method supports long-term disease management when used alongside professional care.
Surgical Treatment Options
When gum disease progresses beyond the reach of non-surgical options, surgery may be required to restore oral health. Surgical procedures include:
| • |
Gingivectomy: Removal of diseased gum tissue
|
| • |
Pocket Reduction Surgery: Reduces the depth of periodontal pockets to eliminate bacteria
|
| • |
Bone Grafting: Replaces lost bone structure to support teeth |
Poor oral hygiene is the leading cause of periodontal disease. Without proper brushing and flossing, natural bacteria in the mouth multiply, forming plaque and tartar that damage the gums and teeth. Early stages like gingivitis can be reversed with diligent care, but advanced periodontitis often requires surgical intervention.
If you're concerned about gum disease or experiencing symptoms, we invite you to schedule a consultation at Lone Pine Dentistry to explore your treatment options.
How to Prevent Gum Disease
Preventing gum disease starts with consistent oral hygiene and healthy lifestyle habits.
Here's what you can do:
| • |
Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
|
| • |
Floss every day to remove plaque between teeth and under the gumline
|
| • |
Use an antimicrobial mouthwash to reduce harmful bacteria
|
| • |
Visit your dentist regularly (every six months) for cleanings and checkups
|
| • |
Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins—especially vitamin C for gum health
|
| • |
Avoid tobacco products, which increase your risk of gum disease
|
| • |
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and replace it every three to four months
|
| • |
Manage health conditions like diabetes and be aware of risk factors such as hormonal changes, certain medications, and family history |
With proactive care, gum disease is largely preventable and manageable.
Why Choose Lone Pine Dentistry for Gum Disease Treatment?
At Lone Pine Dentistry, we combine personalized care with advanced technology to help patients overcome gum disease at every stage. Our team encourages regular self-checks for symptoms like sores, swelling, or bleeding gums, and we're here to provide expert evaluation and treatment when needed.
If you notice signs of gum disease or want a professional opinion, schedule your appointment today. Call us at (541) 668-8036 or visit Lone Pine Dental to get started on your journey to better oral health. |
