Gum disease is a common ailment, with almost half of American adults dealing with some form of it. Gum disease can vary from mild - gingivitis - to more severe - periodontitis - but no amount of gum disease is good for your oral health. Full Smile Periodontics offers a variety of treatments aimed at remedying gum disease, some more invasive than others. Our team offers non-surgical gum disease treatments to safely and effectively improve the health of your gums without the need for surgery. Learn more about gum disease and how Full Smile Periodontics in Amarillo can help.

What Is Gum Disease? 

Gum disease is what happens when bacteria damage the tissue and supporting structures of your teeth. Varying in severity, there are two main stages of gum disease:

• Gingivitis: This early stage of gum disease causes swelling of the gums, redness, tenderness, and bleeding.
• Periodontitis: If left untreated, gingivitis will advance to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease recognized by worsening of symptoms, including damage that extends to the gums and bone, possibly leading to tooth loss over time.

Non-Surgical Gum Disease Treatment Options at Full Smile Periodontics 

There are many treatments available for gum disease, but patients often prefer non-surgical treatment options. Not only are they highly effective, they are also less invasive with a much quicker recovery time.  The team at Full Smile Periodontics cares about the comfort of our patients, so we will always take the time to educate you on every option available to you. Backed by years of experience and the most advanced technology, we are proud to offer the following non-surgical gum disease treatment options at our Amarillo, TX office:

• Scaling & Root Planing: This deep cleaning method allows us to remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria from below the gumline. Local anesthesia is applied to allow for comfort as we gently scrape under the gums. Root surfaces are smoothed to help reattach gums to the teeth.
• Laser Gum Treatment: An advanced technique that utilizes laser energy, this procedure allows us to target infected tissue to sterilize and remove bacteria while leaving healthy gums alone.
• Antibiotic Therapy: Antibiotics are sometimes used in conjunction with scaling or laser treatments to control bacteria in harder-to-reach locations. This may look like oral antibiotics or topical gels applied to the gum pockets.

Dr. Plata and the Full Smile Periodontics team will evaluate your situation to determine the best treatment to restore the health of your gums and put you on the path to improved oral health.

The Benefits of Non-Surgical Gum Disease Treatment 

There are many benefits to treating gum disease:

• Improvement of Gum Health: Treating gum disease will improve the health of your gums and therefore your oral health overall.
• Tooth Preservation: If left untreated, gum disease will eventually cause tooth loss. Getting treatment before it goes that far will preserve your teeth.
• Improved Confidence: When your smile looks and feels good, you’re more likely to feel more confident in showing it off.
• Improved Comfort: Gum disease causes tender, inflamed gums. Once treated, you can enjoy life with a pain-free mouth again!
• Better Overall Health: Gum disease impacts more than just your mouth. It can cause risks to overall health concerns such as heart disease, diabetes, and more. Treating your gums will reduce that risk.

Keep your gums healthy by practicing good oral hygiene, making healthy lifestyle choices, and scheduling frequent dental check-ups.

Frequently Asked Questions About Non-Surgical Gum Disease Treatment

Q: Is Non-Surgical Gum Treatment Painful?

A: Treatments are performed with local anesthesia to prevent discomfort during the procedure. Afterward, you may have some tenderness, but significantly less than if a surgical option would produce.

Q: Can Gum Disease Be Reversed with Non-Surgical Treatment?

A: If you have gingivitis, then non-surgical treatment can completely reverse your gum disease. While advanced periodontitis cannot be reversed, it can be managed to prevent progression.

Q: How Do I Know If I Have Gum Disease?

A: Symptoms of gum disease include soreness, red or swollen gums, bleeding, bad breath, and receding gums. To know for sure, schedule an appointment with Full Smile Periodontics.

Q: Will My Insurance Cover Non-Surgical Gum Disease Treatment?

A: Most dental insurance plans cover non-surgical gum disease treatments, but it depends on your specific coverage. During your consultation appointment, our team will explain your benefits, including alternative payment options if necessary.

Take Control of Your Gum Health with Full Smile Periodontics in Amarillo, TX

There’s no reason to let gum disease take a toll on your smile or oral health. Full Smile Periodontics is here for you, ready to provide the necessary treatment to restore your gums to a healthy place. Schedule an appointment today for a consultation to explore your options.

Full Smile Periodontics
4515 Van Winkle Dr.
Amarillo, TX 79119

806-699-6111

[email protected]