Periodontal (Gum) Disease Treatment

Periodontal (Gum) Disease Treatment

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease or periodontitis, is one of the most common oral health issues in patients in the US, after tooth decay and cavities. Some people may not even realize they have gum disease until it has reached its later stages, and some of the following symptoms are more apparent:

• Swollen or puffy gums
• Bleeding or red gums
• Receding gums
• Loose teeth
• Pain while chewing

To reverse the damage caused by gum disease, we recommend that you practice proper oral hygiene at home, including brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing regularly. However, in severe cases, periodontal care from our office may also be necessary to treat the condition.

At Lahaina Smiles Dental, we offer scaling and root planing (also known as a deep cleaning) as an easy solution for treating gum disease and its symptoms. This process involves using dental tools to remove all bacteria and plaque between your teeth and gums. We’ll then smooth the roots of your teeth to prevent further build-up.

This treatment option will usually occur across two separate appointments, as we will only treat one half of your mouth at a time. Following periodontal treatment, we will continue to monitor your condition and recommend regular dental care to prevent the gum disease from coming back.