Gum Disease Treatment in Foley, AL

Unfortunately, gum disease—or periodontal disease—is a common public health issue in the United States. In fact, 2 in 5 adults in the U.S. are affected by some form of the disease, with the prevalence increasing among vulnerable populations. Despite its commonality, gum disease is a serious threat to your oral health and overall well-being, as it has been linked to other systemic diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

However, many people don’t realize they have an infection until it progresses, as the early signs aren’t always obvious. That’s why it’s important to recognize the symptoms and seek prompt treatment if you’re experiencing any issues. The sooner you act, the better the outcome! At Riviera Dental Care, we provide comprehensive gum disease treatment for all stages of infection, helping you restore and protect your smile.

The Signs of Gum Disease

Gum disease is a bacterial infection that starts at the gum line and slowly moves below, affecting the bone and soft tissues. It can have multiple causes, from poor oral hygiene to genetic factors. Without proper treatment from a professional, gum disease can cause severe pain and even tooth loss.

If you experience any of the following symptoms, we encourage you to reach out to us for prompt care:

• Bleeding gums
• Reddish/purplish gums
• Persistent bad breath
• Pain while chewing
• Gum recession
• Loose teeth

At Riveria Dental Care, your oral health comes first. We care for patients like you using smile-saving treatments that combat gum disease at every stage. However, the earlier we catch it, the less permanent the damage. So, if you’re unsure whether you have gum disease, it’s always best to get checked!

The Stages of Gum Disease

Gum disease develops in stages, increasing in severity:

1. Gingivitis: In its earliest stage, gum disease can be easy to miss. While occasional bleeding may result from brushing too hard, consistent bleeding when brushing or flossing is a red flag. Thankfully, gingivitis is reversible with a good oral hygiene routine. If you notice red, swollen, or bleeding gums, don’t ignore it. Visit Riviera Dental Care for treatment that can protect your smile.
2. Mild periodontitis: This stage of periodontitis is treatable but requires professional care. At this point, the bacterial plaque spreads beneath the gums and affects the surrounding bone. In response, your gums recede, creating pockets that gather bacteria and are difficult to clean.
3. Moderate periodontitis: With moderate periodontitis, inflammation and bacterial infection cause more significant damage to the gums, bone, and connective tissues. At this stage, bad breath, deeper gum pockets, and tooth sensitivity are common symptoms, and it’s important to seek immediate treatment. Without it, you may risk permanent damage.
4. Advanced periodontitis: This stage of gum disease has severe consequences for oral health, causing permanent damage to the gums, bone, and supporting structures. Without treatment, teeth can fall out, and the infection can spread. Advanced treatments are needed to manage the infection, prevent further damage, and restore oral function.

Gum Disease Treatment Options

At Riviera Dental Care, we provide personalized gum disease treatments tailored to your specific needs. These treatments involve no significant pain, as we use an anesthetic gel to numb the area locally. This is often more comfortable for patients as it only affects the treatment area, rather than your whole jaw.

Below are some of our common treatment methods.

Scaling and Root Planing

Also known as deep cleaning, “scaling and root planing” is a non-surgical treatment that removes plaque and tartar buildup below the gums.

Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that accumulates on teeth throughout the day. Without proper oral hygiene, these bacteria feed on sugars and produce acids that weaken enamel, increasing the risk of decay. Left untreated, plaque hardens into tartar, creating a rough surface on teeth that is more difficult to clean. As the build-up continues, the bacteria can irritate your gums and cause infection.

If you have gum disease, we may recommend scaling and root planing as part of your treatment plan. Scaling is done with specialized instruments that scrape plaque and tartar from your teeth. In contrast to a regular cleaning, however, scaling removes bacteria below the gums that you can’t reach yourself. Root planing takes this a step further by smoothing the tooth roots after tartar removal. This treatment helps your gums heal and reattach properly, reducing inflammation and preventing future infection. Together, scaling and root planing create a solid foundation for healthier gums.

PerioRestore

We may prescribe PerioRestore for use between appointments to support and enhance your periodontal treatment. This treatment uses custom-made trays that deliver medication directly to periodontal pockets. The medicated gel uses a low concentration of hydrogen peroxide to disinfect and destroy the bacteria built up around your gum line.

After we take impressions of your mouth, a PerioRestore lab will create a custom tray that fits the contours of your smile. Applying PerioRestore gel to the tray ensures your teeth and gums are fully coated, allowing the gel to reduce inflammation and fight plaque.

PerioRestore is a valuable addition to periodontal care. We often use it alongside traditional gum disease treatments to enhance outcomes and maintain long-term gum health.

Laser Treatment

For more advanced cases of periodontal disease, we can use a dental laser to treat the infection.

With laser therapy, we use a concentrated beam of light energy to remove infected gum tissue while preserving healthy areas. It reduces inflammation, eliminates bacteria, and promotes tissue regeneration. This minimally invasive treatment is less painful, requires shorter recovery time, and lowers the risk of complications compared to traditional surgical options.

By sterilizing the area and encouraging faster healing, laser therapy offers a gentler, more precise approach to managing gum disease.

Get Comprehensive Gum Disease Treatment in Foley, AL

Gum disease may be common, but it’s a serious condition you shouldn’t ignore. Early detection and treatment are key to protecting your smile and overall health. If you notice any signs of periodontal disease, we encourage you to contact our compassionate team.

At Riviera Dental Care in Foley, Alabama, we offer comprehensive gum disease treatment to restore and maintain your oral health. Schedule an appointment today and begin the journey toward healthier gums and teeth!

Frequently Asked Questions

• What Is Periodontal Disease?
• What Causes Gum Disease?
• Common Symptoms of Gum Disease
• The Connection Between Oral Health and Overall Health
• How Is Gum Disease Treated?
• How Do I Know If My Tooth Is Infected?
• How Can I Prevent Gum Disease?
• Is Gum Disease Treatment Painful?