Periodontal Treatment: What Works, What to Expect
If your gums bleed, are red or pull away from your teeth, you may need periodontal treatment. Gum disease ranges from reversible gingivitis to more serious periodontitis that can destroy bone and loosen teeth. The good news: early treatment often stops damage and preserves your smile. This page explains common options, what happens during care, and practical steps you can take at home.
Common treatments and how they help
Treatment depends on how deep the infection is. For early disease, dentists start with non-surgical care. That usually means a professional cleaning and improved home hygiene. If pockets (spaces between tooth and gum) are deeper, your dentist may recommend scaling and root planing. That’s a deep clean below the gumline to remove plaque and smooth the root so gums can reattach.
Antibiotics may be used alongside deep cleaning. They can be a short course of pills, or a local antibiotic placed right into the pocket. For advanced bone or tissue loss, minor surgery helps. Flap surgery lifts the gum so the dentist can clean deep areas. Bone grafts, guided tissue regeneration, and soft-tissue grafts rebuild lost bone or gum where needed. The goal is to reduce pocket depth, stop infection, and stabilize teeth.
Recovery, home care, and prevention
After non-surgical care, you may have mild soreness for a day or two. Over-the-counter pain relievers and a soft diet usually do the trick. After surgery, follow your dentist’s instructions: keep the area clean, avoid hard foods for a few days, and take prescribed meds. Smoking slows healing, so quitting speeds recovery and improves long-term results.
Home care matters more than any one procedure. Brush twice daily with a soft brush, floss at least once a day, and consider an antimicrobial mouthwash if advised. Regular professional cleanings every 3–6 months are common after periodontal treatment to prevent relapse. People with risk factors—smoking, diabetes, or dry mouth—often need closer follow-up.
Ask your dentist about maintenance plans and what to watch for: persistent bleeding, bad breath that won’t go away, or shifting teeth are signs to call sooner rather than later. If you have dental anxiety, tell the clinic—there are gentle options and sedation choices that can help.
Periodontal treatment isn’t just procedures. It’s a partnership: your dentist provides targeted care, and you keep up daily habits that protect your gums. Early action saves time, money, and teeth. Not sure where to start? Book a check-up—catching problems early makes treatment simpler and recovery quicker.
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