Gum Disease Treatment in Bradenton, FL
Not sure which location? Request an appointment.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease begins when plaque and bacteria build up around the teeth and gums. In its earliest stage, known as gingivitis, the gums may become red, swollen, or bleed when brushing or flossing. If gingivitis is not treated, it can advance to periodontitis, which damages the gums and supporting bone around the teeth. Because gum disease is one of the leading causes of adult tooth loss, timely treatment is essential.
Early treatment can stop gingivitis from turning into advanced periodontitis, which can cause lasting damage. That’s why it’s important to visit a dentist for effective gum disease treatment to protect your gums, teeth, and overall oral health.
How Is Gum Disease Treated?
There are several ways to treat gum disease, and the right approach depends on how advanced the condition is. At Parkwood Dental, our dentists evaluate each patient’s needs and recommend the most effective treatment plan. Here are the treatments we may recommend:
Professional Cleaning
In the early stage, a routine dental cleaning removes plaque and tartar above the gumline. This helps reduce irritation and allows gums to heal.
Deep Cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing)
For more advanced cases, a deep cleaning is done below the gumline. Scaling removes plaque and tartar, while root planing smooths the tooth roots so gums can reattach more easily.
Medications
Depending on the severity, we may prescribe antibiotic rinses, gels, or oral medication to target bacteria and infection directly.
Surger
If gum disease has progressed, surgical treatments may be needed. These can include flap surgery to clean deep pockets or grafts to rebuild gum and bone support.
Ongoing Care
After treatment, regular dental visits and cleanings are key to keeping gum disease under control and preventing it from returning.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
Gum disease can affect your overall health if it’s not addressed early. Recognizing the symptoms early and getting professional care is the best way to stop the disease from progressing and keep your gums strong and healthy. Here are some of the most common signs to watch for:
- Red or Swollen Gums
- Bleeding Gums
- Bad Breath
- Tender or Painful Gums
- Receding Gums
- Loose or Shifting Teeth
- Pus Between Gums and Teeth
- Changes in Bite
Find Relief with Gum Disease Treatment in Bradenton
Can Gum Disease Go Away on Its Own?
No, gum disease will not go away on its own. In its earliest stage, known as gingivitis, symptoms like redness and bleeding may improve with good brushing and flossing, but professional cleaning is usually needed to fully remove plaque and tartar. Once gum disease progresses to periodontitis, it cannot be reversed without dental treatment.
If you’re worried about gum disease, the best step you can take is to have your gums checked by a dentist. Regular visits every six months make it easier to catch early signs and keep your smile healthy and comfortable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is an infection and inflammation of the gums and supporting tissues around the teeth. It usually starts when plaque and bacteria build up around the gumline.
Common early signs include red, swollen, tender, or bleeding gums. Bad breath, receding gums, loose teeth, pus, or changes in your bite may also be warning signs.
Bleeding gums are often a sign of gum inflammation caused by plaque buildup. It does not always mean something serious, but it should be checked because early gum disease is easier to treat.
No. Gum disease usually does not go away on its own. Good brushing and flossing may help early symptoms, but professional cleaning is usually needed to remove plaque and tartar fully. Advanced gum disease needs dental treatment.
Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease and may cause red, swollen, or bleeding gums. Periodontitis is more advanced and can damage the gums and bone that support the teeth.
Treatment depends on how advanced the condition is. Options may include a professional cleaning, deep cleaning, antibiotics, surgery for severe cases, and ongoing maintenance visits to keep the infection under control.
Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning used for gum disease. Scaling removes plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline, while root planing smooths the tooth roots so the gums can heal and reattach more easily.
Gum disease treatment is usually made as comfortable as possible. For deeper cleanings, the dentist may numb the area so you feel pressure or movement, but not sharp pain. Mild soreness afterward can happen.
Gums usually do not grow back on their own after recession. Treatment can help stop the disease from getting worse, reduce inflammation, and protect the remaining gum and bone support. Severe gum recession may require additional treatment.
Yes. If gum disease progresses, it can damage the gums and bone that hold teeth in place. This can lead to loose teeth or tooth loss if it is not treated.