Do you have sensitive gums? When you brush and floss, do your gums bleed? You may have gingivitis or gum inflammation. Gum inflammation is a precursor to gum disease or periodontitis. Harmful bacteria in the mouth create plaque, a sticky bacterial film that can form on the teeth and gums.
Over time, plaque can harden in the gum pockets and on teeth. Patients with gum disease can experience gum irritation and pain. At Gun Barrel Dental Center, Dr. Rachel Barone offers periodontal disease treatment in Boulder, CO. She helps patients restore their smiles with comprehensive, deep-cleaning treatments. We also treat additional restorative dentistry treatments in Boulder, CO.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
Common signs of gum disease often include:
- Gum irritation and pain
- Inflammation
- Red or purple gums
- Bleeding gums
- Gum recession
- Loose teeth
Over time, gum disease can lead to gum recession and tooth loss. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with our dental office for care before your gum problems worsen.
Periodontal Disease Treatment in Boulder, CO
At regular dental appointments, we offer prophylaxis cleaning or routine dental cleaning. These cleanings remove bacteria from teeth above the gum line and help prevent tooth decay and gum disease. We recommend these treatments for patients with gum disease:
Scaling and Root Planing
This advanced dental cleaning treatment can prevent the spread of gum disease. Scaling and root planing remove bacteria deposits on and beneath the gums and even tooth roots. We remove calculus, or hardened plaque, beneath the gum line during scaling treatment. Additionally, we use a high-vibration handheld dental tool to remove bacterial buildup from the tooth. Then, we smooth uneven areas of the tooth and tooth roots.
Periodontal Maintenance Therapy
After we treat patients with gum disease, we will require maintenance treatments to keep bacterial buildup from the gum pockets. Even after periodontal treatment, patients can experience bacterial buildup months later. Typically, we perform periodontal maintenance therapy every 3 to 4 months. However, we will work with you to find a schedule that best fits your needs. Some patients may need to visit our office more frequently to prevent the spread of periodontitis.
During this treatment, we will measure the depth of the gum pockets. We may also take digital x-rays to ensure the health of the supporting bone. Then, we will perform a scaling and root planing treatment.
Prevent Gum Disease
Contact our office for a routine cleaning at 720-881-0614. If you have noticed the signs of gum disease, please schedule a dental appointment on our website, and we can help.