Periodontics

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, can cause minor irritation and discomfort called gingivitis. Left untreated the disease will spread, and the gums will start to recede by pulling away from the tooth. If your gums are red, swollen, or bleeding, or you have bad breath, loose teeth, sensitivity or pain, come visit our office in Cincinnati office to have your gums examined.

Periodontal disease creates pockets in the gum that can expose more of the tooth structure and the root system leading to cavities, infection, receding gums, bone loss, and tooth loss.

The treatment plan is dictated by the severity of the periodontitis starting with a deep cleaning. If plaque is between the gums and teeth, a scaling and root planing procedure will be required to scrape the plaque off from the teeth underneath the gums.

We use lasers to clean even deeper, and to stimulate healing between the gum and exposed tooth. Laser dentistry will break up the plaque and tartar that are causing the gum disease. Since this is a non-invasive procedure, our patients start to feel better right away.

What should I expect during and after root scaling and planing?

Your gums will be numbed and cleaned. An ultrasound may be used to help break up the plaque and tartar. Since your gums will be numb, you will feel some pressure but not any direct pain or discomfort. Afterward, your gums will be sore, they will swell, and may ache in general. The worst part is over within four hours.

For several days to a week or more, you may experience some sensitivity when eating, especially if you are eating anything sweet. One way to address this is to use something soft to clean the area and then place a desensitizing toothpaste on a Q-tip so it can be gently applied to the area around your gums.

There will be some bleeding when you brush your teeth, but this should only last for a day or two. Just remember to be gentle when brushing around your gums.

Catch it Early

It’s important to discover, treat, and stop gum disease in its early stages. If your gums are irritated often, call us to schedule an appointment.

(513) 621-7666

Are there any warning signs to watch for after the procedure?

If your gums are bleeding excessively, you develop a hard boil (bump) inside your mouth, or the irritation persists for more than two weeks, you should schedule an immediate follow-up appointment, or simply call our office to talk to Dr. Peck. He is always available to answer your questions.

Can I eat like normal after a root scaling and planing procedure?

You should avoid anything hot for two days and not eat anything crunchy like nuts or chips for four days. Your gums may also be sensitive to sugar, so avoid any candy or treats for several days.

What happens to my gums after they heal from the procedure?

Your gums should begin to return to normal, and there should be no restrictions long term regarding what you can eat. As long as you continue to take excellent care of your dental health, you will heal and return to normal. However, if you have prolonged periodontitis, you may also require multiple visits and additional procedures to eradicate the infection.

When pockets form in the gum, they need to be restored in order to protect the tooth again. A gum grafting procedure may be needed. This works by taking tissue from the roof of the mouth or another area and grafting it to the gums so that the gum tissue can start to regenerate. The gums then need to be secured back around the tooth in order to protect it and the roots. If bone loss has occurred, a bone graft may be necessary to restore and strengthen the tooth. In this procedure, natural or synthetic bone is compacted into the area and sealed so that the bone can start to regenerate.

Prevention is Key

Schedule an appointment to visit Dr. Peck today if you suspect you have developed gum disease. Don’t ignore even minor irritation or swelling. Come on in for an exam.

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How to Keep Your Gums Healthy

You can prevent periodontitis by brushing your teeth after meals, flossing on a daily basis, and rinsing your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash once a day. Eating a healthy diet that is low in sugar can also help to keep your gums healthy. We also recommend having your teeth cleaned professionally at least twice a year so that we can remove plaque and tartar from hard-to-reach places

Dr. Peck is the best dentist I have ever been to. He is very professional as well as personal. His work is very thorough, and his results are beautiful. The staff is extremely friendly and welcoming. It is an all-around great experience!

– Nancy

If you suspect that you may have gum disease because your gums are red, swollen, or receding, contact us right away. Dr. Peck will examine your teeth and gums, measure the depth of any pockets he discovers, let you know if gum disease is present, and make recommendations regarding how to treat it. While we offer tooth replacement options like dentures or dental implants, we ultimately want to help you keep your natural teeth. We’ll be with you every step of the way until your dental health is back to optimal.