Gum Disease Treatment in Prescott Valley, AZ

Periodontal Treatment With Dr. Larson

If you’ve noticed your gums become red, swollen, or start bleeding while you brush your teeth, you may have the beginnings of periodontal disease. Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common infection that affects up to half of American adults. Fortunately, the dental professionals at Larson Dental have a solution.

Our dentists, Drs. Seth and Zack Larson offer effective gum disease treatment options. Regardless of the severity of your case, we’ll tailor your treatment to your needs so you can enjoy a healthy smile again.

What is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease, better known as gum disease, is an infection that attacks the soft tissues of your gums and the bone structures supporting your teeth. Gum disease is usually caused by an infection that occurs when oral bacteria attacks the gums. As a result, the gums begin to shrink away from the teeth, creating pockets that are difficult to clean. Bacteria-laden plaque and tartar end up getting trapped in these pockets, making it easier for the infection to develop and spread.

Periodontal disease is not only treatable but reversible in its earliest stages. Patients with gingivitis can reverse the effects of infection, but may not be able to if their infection has progressed to periodontitis. That’s why it’s so important to see a trusted dentist for professional gum disease treatment. The Prescott Valley dentists at Larson Dental can help get you back on track to good oral health.

There are three stages of periodontal disease:

Gingivitis: This is the earliest stage of gum disease where the infection can be easily treated with a thorough deep cleaning at our Southfield dental office. During this stage, you may notice your gums becoming red and inflamed. When treated promptly, gingivitis can be reversed without any lasting effects.

Periodontitis: When gingivitis is left untreated, it develops into periodontitis as the infection spreads from the gums to the jawbone. You’ll notice that your gums start receding to form pockets, making it easier for bacteria to build up. Without treatment, periodontitis can cause severe pain and other health complications.

Advanced Periodontitis: Without treatment, your gums will continue to recede further. This causes the pockets to deepen and harbor more infection. During this stage, your teeth may loosen and eventually fall out.

Symptoms of Gum Disease

Symptoms of gum disease include:

• Red and swollen gums
• Bleeding gums
• Receding gum line
• Persistent bad breath
• Painful or tender gums, especially when chewing
• Loose or shifting teeth
• Widening gaps between teeth
• Sensitive teeth

It’s crucial to pay attention to the state of your gums so you’ll notice any problems early. No matter how long you’ve been dealing with these symptoms, our expert gum disease treatments can help support and restore your oral health. If you notice any of the symptoms listed above, please contact our Prescott Valley, AZ office at (928) 772-8128.

Treating Gum Disease

Once our dentist has made an accurate diagnosis, Dr. Larson will make a recommendation for the treatment depending on the stage of your gum disease. The most common treatments for gum disease include:

Deep Cleaning– Deep cleanings are usually performed when gum disease is in its early stages. Because gum disease is easy to reverse in the beginning, a deep cleaning is often enough to restore your dental health. This can often be done in as little as one or two appointments at our Prescott Valley office.

Scaling and Root Planing– Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical procedure performed when your condition has started to damage your healthy gum tissue. This treatment removes all the plaque, excess bacteria, and tartar from your gums by smoothing out the rough spots on your root surfaces and teeth. This also helps prevent bacterial build-up from accumulating in these areas in the future.

Treatment for gum disease will vary depending on how advanced the condition is. We may combine treatments to increase the effectiveness of your treatment and ensure your periodontal disease doesn’t return. At Larson Dental, our dentists use laser dentistry to treat gum disease and provide you with better results. Once we’ve completed your gum disease treatments, you’ll experience relief right away.