Gum Disease Treatment & Periodontal Maintenance

Serving Patients in Cedar Rapids & Marion – Accepting New Patients!

Why Oral Hygiene Matters

Oral hygiene plays a vital role in preventing periodontal disease. In fact, adults over 35 lose more teeth to gum disease than to cavities, with three out of four adults affected at some point. Thorough daily brushing and flossing significantly reduce your risk of developing gum infections and tooth loss.

Even with excellent home care, some individuals—especially those genetically predisposed—can still develop periodontal disease. That’s where professional periodontal maintenance becomes essential.

Contributing Risk Factors

Several factors can increase your risk of developing periodontal disease, including:

• Smoking or tobacco use

• Diabetes

• Chronic stress

• Teeth grinding or clenching

• Poor nutrition

• Certain medications

These factors can intensify gum disease or slow down healing, which is why a personalized treatment plan is so important.

Signs of Gum Disease

You may have gum disease if you experience:

• Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing

• Red, swollen, or tender gums

• Persistent bad breath

• Gum recession (teeth appear longer)

• Loose or shifting teeth

• Deep pockets between the teeth and gums

If left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss and may also contribute to systemic health issues like heart disease and respiratory problems.

Periodontal Maintenance: Deep Cleaning for Healthy Gums

The first step in treating gum disease is usually a deep cleaning procedure called scaling and root planing. This non-surgical treatment removes plaque and tartar from below the gum line and smooths the root surfaces to promote healing and prevent bacteria from reattaching.

What to Expect:

After a thorough dental exam, including x-rays and pocket depth measurements, one of our experienced dentists—Drs. Horton, Jacobson, Herrera, Horton, Hingst, or Robinson—may recommend scaling and root planing based on the severity of your condition. Local anesthesia may be used to ensure your comfort.

Scaling:

This step removes hardened plaque and tartar from the tooth surface, particularly below the gum line, using special instruments or an ultrasonic scaler. Antimicrobial agents may be used to help reduce bacteria in the area.

Root Planing:

Here, the root surfaces of the teeth are smoothed to eliminate bacterial toxins and make it harder for new plaque to adhere. This encourages gum reattachment and healing.

Additional Treatment Options

In some cases, antibiotic therapy or antimicrobial rinses may be recommended to further control infection. Antibiotic fibers or gels may be placed in periodontal pockets to support healing.

If deep pockets persist or if the disease has progressed significantly, periodontal surgery may be required to fully restore gum health.

Benefits of Periodontal Treatment

Treating gum disease early can:

• Prevent tooth loss

• Reduce harmful bacteria linked to heart and respiratory disease

• Improve the appearance of your smile by removing stains and tartar

• Eliminate bad breath caused by bacterial buildup

• Support overall health and reduce inflammation in the body

Keep Your Gums Healthy – Long-Term Maintenance Matters

Even after successful treatment, ongoing periodontal maintenance is crucial to prevent recurrence. This includes:

• Regular dental visits for professional cleanings and evaluations

• Consistent at-home care: brushing twice daily and flossing once a day

• Managing health conditions and lifestyle factors that contribute to gum disease

Your Trusted Periodontal Care Team in Cedar Rapids & Marion

Whether you’re concerned about bleeding gums, bad breath, or you’ve been told you need deep cleaning, our caring and experienced team is here to help.

📅 Schedule your appointment today – we’re welcoming new patients and ready to support your long-term oral health!