Gum Disease Treatment – Idaho Falls, ID

What is Gum Disease?

According to a recent CDC report, nearly half of all US adults age 30 or older have some form of periodontal disease, and that number only increases with age. In fact, by 65 years of age, over 70 percent of adults will have the condition.

Also referred to as gum disease, periodontal disease is the result of a bacterial infection within the gum tissue that directly affects the gums and bone structure supporting the teeth.

There are two types of periodontal disease: gingivitis, the earliest stage, and periodontitis, the more advanced form.

Although early signs of gingivitis can often be reversed by improving your oral hygiene routine, periodontitis can only be managed, not cured, to prevent it from worsening and causing more severe problems like tooth loss.

Some factors that can increase your risk of developing gum disease include smoking, vaping, or using tobacco products, poor oral hygiene, genetics, immune-compromising conditions such as diabetes, certain medications that cause dry mouth, and hormonal changes such as pregnancy.

Symptoms of Gum Disease

Gum disease can cause a variety of dangerous symptoms, depending on how progressed it has become. These include:

• Signs of gingivitis:
  • Chronic bad breath (halitosis)
  • Red or swollen gums
  • Gums that bleed when you brush or floss your teeth
  • Tender gums
  • Dark red gums
  • Receding gums
• Signs of periodontitis:
  • Pain while chewing
  • Loose permanent teeth
  • Sensitive teeth as a result of gum recession
  • Changes in your bite
  • Changes in the fit of your restorations, including partial dentures
  • Permanent tooth loss

How Do We Treat Gum Disease?

At Cline Family & Cosmetic Dentistry of Idaho Falls, before determining which gum disease treatment is best for your smile, Dr. Cline will thoroughly examine your mouth to determine the severity of your condition. Based on his findings, he will discuss all your treatment options with you before beginning any work.

Scaling & Root Planing

This is a two-part treatment that can typically be completed in two separate appointments. First, Dr. Cline will thoroughly remove all plaque and tartar from your teeth to minimize the presence of dangerous oral bacteria. If you have experienced gum recession, he will scale as far down as the pockets of your gums to make sure there are no bacteria left hiding in the area.

At the second appointment, he will smooth out the roots of your teeth, removing any hardened bacteria deposits. This will help your gum tissue to healthily reattach to the structure of your teeth, protecting the roots.

Antibiotic Treatment

Dr. Cline prefers to prescribe a pill taken orally, typically in conjunction with scaling and root planing. This will help target any bacteria left behind during the treatment process. He will discuss the benefits of this type of medication with you at your consultation if he recommends it for your individual smile.