Periodontal Treatment in Harrisonburg
Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is an infection of the gums and supporting tissues surrounding your teeth. Prompt treatment is the key to protecting your oral health from the long-term damage of advanced gum disease.
At Rocktown Family Dental Care, Dr. Joan Anderson and our team provide periodontal treatment tailored to your needs to help you maintain a healthy smile.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum or periodontal disease is caused by harmful bacteria in dental plaque, the sticky film that builds up on your teeth. Left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss and even impact your overall health. However, we can help you maintain healthy gums and a beautiful, confident smile with proper care and treatment.
Who’s at Risk for Gum Disease?
While gum disease can affect anyone, some factors increase the risk.
- Poor oral hygiene — Skipping regular brushing and flossing allows plaque to build up and increases the risk of gum disease.
- Smoking — Tobacco use is a significant gum disease risk factor because it weakens the immune system and makes it harder to fight off gum infections.
- Genetics — Some people may be more susceptible to gum disease due to their genetic makeup.
- Diabetes — High blood sugar levels can contribute to gum infections, making proper oral care even more critical for diabetic patients.
- Hormonal changes — Fluctuating hormone levels, such as during pregnancy or menopause, can increase the risk of gum disease.
- Certain medications — Some drugs, like certain antidepressants and heart medications, can cause dry mouth or affect gum tissue, increasing the risk of gum disease.
Routine Cleanings: The Key to Detecting Gum Disease
Did you know that almost 50 percent of US adults over age 30 have some level of gum disease? Or that after age 65, the number jumps to 70 percent?
One reason it’s so widespread is that symptoms can be so mild that many people don’t recognize them; however, a dental hygienist can quickly spot gum disease during a routine cleaning in Harrisonburg, which is why they're so crucial. Catching gum disease early means more effective treatment and more positive oral health outcomes.
During your cleaning, our skilled hygienists meticulously check your teeth and gums for signs of gum disease. Using an instrument called a periodontal probe, they measure the space between your teeth and gums, checking for pockets that may indicate gum disease.
Stages of Gum Disease and Treatments
There are two main stages of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontitis.
Early Gum Disease: Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the earliest and mildest form of gum disease. Your gums may appear red and swollen and bleed easily when brushing or flossing. But don't worry—if caught soon enough, gingivitis is reversible with proper oral hygiene and professional dental cleanings.
Advanced Gum Disease: Periodontitis
If gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis. In this stage, gums pull away from the teeth, creating pockets that harbor bacteria and cause an infection that can eventually lead to bone and tooth loss. Depending on the severity, treatments may include deep cleanings, medications, or surgery.
What Is a Deep Cleaning?
A deep dental cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, is a specialized treatment aimed at removing plaque and tartar buildup beneath the gumline and smoothing root surfaces. This non-surgical procedure combats gum disease by targeting harmful bacteria and promoting gum reattachment to the teeth.
What Is Full Mouth Debridement?
Sometimes a heavy buildup of plaque and tartar forms on your teeth and gums. This occurs due to poor oral hygiene habits and neglected oral health. The buildup threatens your gum health and also makes it difficult for us to properly assess the condition of your mouth.
Full mouth debridement is like a fresh start for your smile. With your teeth clean and free of tartar buildup, we can perform a comprehensive exam and see if further treatment is necessary.
Do You Have Gum Disease Symptoms?
If you experience symptoms of gum disease like tender, swollen, or bleeding gums, Dr. Anderson and our dental care team can help you. Regardless of your current dental health, we aim to ensure you feel comfortable, supported, and empowered to achieve a happier, healthier smile.
Don't hesitate to reach out and schedule an appointment at our Harrisonburg, VA, dental office. We are pleased to serve Harrisonburg City and Rockingham County, including Broadway, Bridgewater, Dayton, Timberville, Penn Laird, Elkton, McGaheysville, Grottoes, and all surrounding communities.
Meet Our Doctor:
Dr. Joan Anderson
Dr. Joan Anderson is the skilled and dedicated owner and dentist of Rocktown Family Dental Care. As the sole owner and dentist of the practice, Dr. Anderson is responsible for all treatment planning for patients, supervising staff members, and providing patient care. She prides herself on being a good employer, creating a dental home that people want to be a part of, and mentoring her employees to succeed even if their career plans take them elsewhere.
Having graduated from dental school in 2008, Dr. Anderson practiced in Georgia and South Carolina ...
Frequently Asked Questions
If you're suffering from gum disease, Dr. Anderson will recommend a deeper teeth cleaning to remove the plaque and tartar buildup causing your gum infection.
Known as scaling and root planing, this procedure reaches below the gumline to remove tough tartar buildup and help you manage gum disease. We do this procedure in quadrants, as you'll be numb to ensure your comfort. Sometimes, our hygienist will also administer antibiotic treatment during scaling and root planing to help combat gum infection.
Is Gum Disease Curable?
Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease, and if you suffer from gingivitis, you may notice your gums bleeding during brushing or flossing, chronic bad breath, or gums that appear red and irritated. If you see these signs, contact your Harrisonburg dentist right away for an exam.
Patients who can treat gingivitis early on can often reverse their condition and avoid the need for a deeper teeth cleaning. Unfortunately, gum disease has no cure, so it's important to act quickly if you're noticing the signs and symptoms of gingivitis.
Contact your Rocktown Family Dental Care team online or at (540) 705-0102 if it's time to book your next dental appointment or if you suspect early signs of gum disease.
There are four types of dental cleaning: prophylaxis (prophy), scaling and root planing, periodontal maintenance, and full debridement. At Rocktown Family Dental Care, we tailor the type of dental cleaning to meet your unique needs.
4 Types of Dental Cleanings
- Prophylaxis — Also called a “prophy,” this routine preventive cleaning helps you maintain your oral health. During a prophy, our hygienist checks for signs of gum disease and removes plaque, tartar, and surface stains. We recommend this cleaning for those who want to maintain their healthy smile.
- Scaling and root planing — If you have gum disease and pockets around your teeth, we might recommend scaling and root planing. This is a deep cleaning where our hygienist gently clears plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline (scaling) and smooths root surfaces (planing) to help gums reattach to the teeth.
- Periodontal maintenance — If you have had gum disease treatment, a maintenance cleaning is a crucial follow-up. This customized cleaning helps ensure your gums remain healthy and reduces the risk of recurring periodontal disease.
- Full debridement — We recommend this procedure for those who haven't had a cleaning for an extended period. By clearing away significant plaque and tartar buildup, we can more accurately evaluate your oral health and develop a comprehensive treatment plan.
Which Dental Cleaning Is Right for Me?
Dr. Anderson will carefully evaluate your gum health and explain the type of cleaning she recommends to help you maintain optimal oral health. If you have gum disease, she and our hygienists will work with you to create a plan to treat it and restore your gums to full health.
Please call our friendly Harrisonburg, VA, dental office to schedule an appointment.