Do you see blood in your sink every time you clean your teeth? If so, then you may have early-stage periodontal (gum) disease, an infection that can seriously impact both your oral and overall health. At Cornerstone Dental, our team is able to catch gum disease during its initial stages so we can treat it right away, and we can also help patients who are dealing with more serious symptoms (such as gum recession and loose teeth). If your gums need help, we’re ready to provide the specialty care you need right here in Fargo, so contact us today to schedule an appointment.
Scaling & root planing is like a standard dental cleaning except it is solely focused on the gum line and roots of the teeth. It’s used to remove the bacterial plaque and tartar deposits that are the root cause of gum disease. First, an ultrasonic cleaner will break up any buildup below the gum line, and then the rough surfaces of the teeth’s roots will be smoothed out. This will prevent plaque from gathering around the gums in the future, lowering a person’s risk for reinfection.
After a patient has been treated for gum disease, they need to be put on a regimen of continued care so that the infection won’t come back. Instead of getting a dental cleaning just once every six months, a patient with gum disease will receive one every three to four months. This approach is necessary because gum disease cannot actually be cured, but it can be managed so that it doesn’t cause harm to the smile.
For patients with more advanced gum disease, we can use our soft tissue laser to literally target and eliminate the bacteria. Laser gum therapy is a much faster and gentler approach compared to traditional gum treatments, and it reduces pain, swelling, and bleeding to almost nonexistent levels. As it works, the laser actually sanitizes and cauterizes the treatment area, meaning many patients don’t even need a local anesthetic to remain comfortable.