At Laurel Bush Family Dentistry, we believe in protecting your gum health, the foundation of your oral health! When gums are healthy, they support your teeth, protect your jawbone, and keep your smile strong. However, gum disease—also called periodontal disease—is one of the most common oral health issues, affecting nearly half of American adults. If left untreated, it can lead to gum recession, bone loss, and even tooth loss.
At Laurel Bush Family Dentistry, we offer advanced periodontal treatments to stop gum disease in its tracks and restore your oral health. Our team takes a gentle, personalized approach to care, ensuring your treatment is effective, comfortable, and tailored to your needs.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease begins when plaque and bacteria build up around the gumline, causing inflammation. In its earliest stage, gingivitis, you may notice red, swollen, or bleeding gums. With proper treatment and home care, gingivitis can be reversed.
If gum disease progresses to periodontitis, the infection moves deeper, creating pockets between the gums and teeth. At this stage, professional treatment is necessary to stop further damage and protect your smile.
Signs You May Need Periodontal Treatment
Many patients don’t realize they have gum disease until it has advanced, which is why it’s so important to watch for the warning signs. You may need periodontal care if you notice:
- Gums that bleed easily when brushing or flossing
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
- Gum recession (teeth appearing longer than before)
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Pain when chewing
- Deep pockets forming between the teeth and gums
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment right away. Early treatment can help prevent further damage and protect your oral health.
Our top periodontal treatments in Bel Air, MD include:
Scaling and Root Planing
To effectively treat periodontitis, we often recommend a deep cleaning procedure called scaling and root planing. During this treatment, we carefully remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria from below the gumline and smooth the root surfaces so the gums can reattach more securely.
To enhance the results, we may apply a localized antibiotic such as Arestin® directly into the infected gum pockets. Arestin is made of tiny, antibiotic-filled particles that slowly release medication over time, continuing to fight bacteria for weeks after your visit. This targeted therapy helps:
- Reduce gum pocket depth
- Decrease inflammation
- Halt the progression of gum disease
- Improve long-term gum health
Gingivectomy
A gingivectomy is a simple in-office procedure that removes excess gum tissue to improve both oral health and aesthetics. This treatment may be recommended if you:
- Have a “gummy smile” and want a more balanced appearance
- Need to remove diseased gum tissue caused by periodontal disease
- Have deep gum pockets that are difficult to clean
The procedure is performed under local anesthetic for your comfort, and recovery is typically quick. In addition to its cosmetic benefits, a gingivectomy makes it easier to keep your teeth and gums clean, reducing your risk of future problems.
Chemotherapeutic Rinses
At Laurel Bush Family Dentistry, we offer chemotherapeutic rinses to offer relief for pain and inflammation. This specialized, prescription-only rinse is custom-compounded to meet your needs and may include:
- A numbing agent to reduce pain
- An antihistamine to calm inflammation
- An antacid to coat and soothe the mouth
While not available over the counter, this rinse can significantly improve comfort and quality of life for our patients managing cancer treatment side effects.
Why Periodontal Care Matters
Treating gum disease is not just about saving your smile—it’s about protecting your overall health. Research has shown strong links between periodontal disease and the development of more serious health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. By keeping your gums healthy, you’re also supporting your total body wellness.
Take the First Step Toward Healthy Gums
If you’ve noticed bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, or changes in your bite, don’t wait—these may be early signs of gum disease. At Laurel Bush Family Dentistry, we’re here to help you restore and maintain healthy gums with gentle, effective periodontal treatments.
Call today to schedule your consultation and let us help protect your smile!
