PERIODONTAL (Gum Disease) TREATMENT IN LINCOLN, NE
Periodontal disease, more commonly known as gum disease, is fairly easily preventable. It is the result of the buildup of harmful substances along the gum line, which allows bacteria to attack the teeth and gums. With good oral hygiene habits, namely regular brushing and flossing, along with regular dental visits for exams and cleanings, you should be able to maintain healthy teeth and gums. However, when oral care habits are lax, cavities and gum disease could be the effect. Your dentist at Lincoln Dental Associates in Lincoln can detect gum disease during a routine checkup and get it treated before it reaches a more advanced stage.
Dental scaling and planing
This treatment can be effective when gum disease is in its early stages. It is also called a deep cleaning because it follows basically the same procedure as a routine cleaning. However, while a standard cleaning goes only to the gum line, a deep cleaning goes into the gums to remove plaque and tartar. It is slightly more invasive than regular cleaning and will require a local anesthetic to minimize pain and discomfort. It may need to be completed over the course of two appointments. Following the removal of plaque and tartar (dental scaling), your dentist will place the tooth roots, or smooth them out. This is meant to discourage bacteria from collecting in and around the gums again. A successful scaling and planning procedure will help the gums reattach to the teeth and shrink the periodontal pockets.
Periodontal surgery
If a patient’s condition is too far advanced for dental scaling and planning to treat, periodontal surgery may be recommended. There are several types of surgery, each with a different goal:
- Gingival flap surgery: cuts into the gum tissue to clean below the pockets
- Gingivectomy: removes excess gum tissue
- Gingivoplasty: reshapes the healthy gum tissue
Your dentist will select the type of surgery that best suits your needs.
To maintain the healthiest teeth and gums, it is important to keep regular appointments at Lincoln Dental Associates. If you should encounter a problem with your teeth or gums, such as periodontal disease, our team can help restore your oral health in Lincoln.
FAQS
Periodontal Treatment in Lincoln supports gum and bone health. Treatment is needed when gum disease is present, as untreated periodontitis can cause tooth loss.
Watch for bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, swelling, or gums that appear to be receding.
It is a non-surgical procedure that eliminates plaque and tartar from below the gumline.
Early gum disease can often be reversed. Advanced periodontitis cannot be fully reversed, but treatment can successfully manage and halt its progression.
Research reveals gum disease is linked to systemic issues like diabetes and heart disease.
Most patients enter a maintenance phase requiring cleanings every 3–4 months to prevent recurrence.
