At Wildflower Dental & Orthodontics, we’re here to make sure you have your best smile. Healthy teeth aren’t the only part of that — your gums play an essential role in your oral wellness too! One of the ways we can get your gums back to better shape is by providing periodontal treatment. “Periodontal” just means that it deals with the gums. If you’re concerned about the health of your gums or think you might have gum disease, our friendly Wildflower team is here to help.

Signs of Periodontal Disease

The sooner we can spot periodontal disease, the better. The condition starts off as gingivitis and can progress to the more serious periodontitis if it’s left untreated. Here are some signs you can keep an eye out for that may suggest your gums are in need of some extra TLC.

• Tenderness in your gums
• Red or swollen gums
• Bleeding gums (noticeable when you brush or floss)
• Receding gums (your teeth may appear to look longer)
• Pockets between your gums and teeth
• Loose teeth
• Bad breath

Are you experiencing any of those symptoms right now? Come in to see Dr. Walkington so he can perform an exam and advise you on what treatment can help you get back to a healthy mouth.

Types of Gum Disease Treatment

There are a variety of options when it comes to treating gum disease. Dr. Walkington will go over what’s available and what he recommends. Your gum treatment will depend on how advanced your periodontal disease is.

Deep Cleanings

Deep cleanings are sometimes called by their more formal name: scaling and root planing. We’ll remove the harmful plaque and tartar buildups from your teeth and then smooth out the surfaces of your tooth roots. Doing all of this prevents bacteria from getting in underneath the gumline.

ARESTIN^® Antibiotic Treatment

ARESTIN is a locally administered antibiotic that can kill the bacteria that causes gum disease. It’s an easy treatment that doesn’t cause patient discomfort. We often use ARESTIN along with a deep cleaning to maximize the effectiveness of treatment.

Periodontal Surgery

While we always try the least invasive options as possible first, some cases of gum disease are severe enough to warrant periodontal surgery. We’ll numb the area using local anesthesia, and we’ll clean and restore the infected areas.