Gum Disease Treatment
Restore your gum health and protect your smile
Gum disease — also known as periodontal disease — is one of the most common oral health conditions, affecting nearly half of adults over the age of 30. Left untreated, it can lead to gum recession, bone loss, and eventually tooth loss. At our Middletown, NY practice, we provide comprehensive gum disease treatment to stop the progression of the disease and help restore your oral health.
The earliest stage, gingivitis, is characterized by red, swollen, or bleeding gums and is often reversible with professional treatment and improved home care. When gingivitis progresses to periodontitis, deeper pockets form between the teeth and gums, harboring bacteria that attack the bone and connective tissue supporting your teeth. Our primary treatment for moderate to advanced gum disease is scaling and root planing — a thorough deep cleaning performed below the gumline.
During scaling and root planing, our dental hygienists use specialized instruments to carefully remove plaque, tartar, and bacterial toxins from the root surfaces of your teeth. The roots are then smoothed to discourage further bacterial accumulation and encourage the gum tissue to reattach to the tooth. Depending on the severity of your condition, treatment may be completed in one visit or spread across multiple appointments. Dr. Alex will develop a personalized periodontal maintenance plan to monitor your progress and keep gum disease under control long term.
Key Benefits
What to Expect
Your treatment begins with a comprehensive periodontal evaluation, including measurements of the gum pockets around each tooth and digital X-rays to assess bone levels. If scaling and root planing is recommended, a local anesthetic will be applied to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. The hygienist will methodically clean each quadrant of your mouth, removing tartar and bacteria from below the gumline and smoothing the root surfaces. Each session typically focuses on one or two quadrants. You may experience some tenderness and sensitivity for a few days following treatment, which is normal and manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers. A follow-up visit is scheduled four to six weeks later to reassess your gum health, measure pocket depths, and determine if additional treatment is needed. Most patients with gum disease benefit from periodontal maintenance cleanings every three to four months rather than the standard six-month interval.
Frequently Asked Questions
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