SERVICES
Oklahoma City
Gum Disease Treatment
Gentle gum disease treatment benefits your whole body! Pragma Dental offers periodontics to address infection, inflammation, and other symptoms.
What is gingivitis and periodontitis?
Gum disease is an inflammatory condition. It’s caused by bacterial plaque that builds up on your teeth over time, and it exists on a spectrum of severity. It can range from mild and reversible to a severe infection that destroys jawbone integrity and leads to tooth loss. What’s more, gum disease can actually contribute to heart disease and stroke. Dr. Kaylee Ring and her dedicated team diagnose and treat gum disease to help you take control of your health again!
Gingivitis: This is the mildest and earliest form of gum disease. At Pragma, our goal is to always catch gum disease in this stage. Gingivitis appears as red, swollen, and tender gums that often bleed easily during flossing and brushing. There is no bone loss at this stage, which means gingivitis can be reversed with good oral hygiene and routine dental cleanings.
Mild to Moderate Periodontitis: If gingivitis is left untreated and progresses, bacteria can spread below the gumline. At this stage, the gums pull away from the teeth and create “pockets” that trap plaque. At this stage, bacteria erode the supporting bone and soft tissues. While periodontitis can’t be reversed, it can be managed, preventing further damage.
Advanced Periodontitis: If the bone and periodontal ligament continue to break down, this can cause teeth to loosen or even fall out. This is the most advanced stage of gum disease, and intensive treatments like deep cleanings (scaling and root planing) or surgery may be required.
Deep cleaning, scaling and root planing
Gingivitis can be treated with deep cleaning, also known as scaling & root planing. During this procedure, your dentist will treat your gum disease by removing plaque and tartar from deep pockets below the gumline, where you can’t get to it at home. They will also smooth your tooth roots, which helps your gum tissue heal and reattach to your tooth.
Scaling and root planing are virtually painless, though your mouth will likely be sore for a few days after your procedure as your gums heal.
Other periodontal disease treatments
Periodontal Laser Therapy (LAPT / LANAP)
Depending on your stage of gum disease, Dr. Kaylee Ring may recommend periodontal laser therapy as an alternative or a supplement to traditional gum surgery.
- How it works: Highly focused light energy sterilizes the area, vaporizes bacteria, and targets and removes diseased gum tissue while leaving healthy areas intact.
H3: Traditional Periodontal Surgery
If gum pockets are too deep, non-surgical treatments and lasers may not suffice. In those cases, Dr. Ring may recommend periodontal surgery to get your gums back on track. Surgery options include:
- Flap Surgery: Your dentist will make small incisions to gently fold back your gum so they can thoroughly clean deep roots and eliminate bacteria. Then, gums are sutured into place, where they usually fit more snugly against the tooth than before.
- Bone Grafting: If bacteria destroy the bone supporting your teeth, bone grafts can be placed in the affected areas, which encourages your body to rebuild its own bone.
- Guided Tissue Regeneration (GTR): Regeneration places a specialized biocompatible membrane between the bone and your gums, allowing bone and ligament cells to regenerate.
Healthy Gums Start Here
Routine exams and periodontal maintenance
If you have gum disease, more frequent cleanings and maintenance may be needed. At Pragma Dental, we offer personalized oral health plans specifically tailored to your unique needs. To keep your gums as healthy as possible, we will create a schedule of checkups and cleanings designed to support you on your journey.
About Pragma Dental and Dr. Kaylee Ring
At Pragma Dental, we know that anything with the word “disease” in it can feel overwhelming and scary. The good news is that dental treatments have come a long way, and gum disease can be managed and even reversed when caught early enough.
We understand that conditions like gum disease can be accompanied by fear and even shame, and that this can create a vicious cycle of avoiding dental care and deteriorating oral health. That’s why we offer a welcoming, judgment-free zone where patients can trust us to treat them with care and compassion, no matter where they are in their oral health journey. If you’re dealing with a tooth infection, gum infection, or gum inflammation, Pragma Dental can help.
- Frequently Asked Questions
Does a deep cleaning cost more than a regular cleaning?
Deep cleanings, including scaling and root planing, can cost more than a traditional tooth cleaning, but the price depends on your specific condition and needs. After your exam, your dentist can offer more clarity into the cost of your deep cleaning.
What happens if my periodontal disease progresses?
In later stages, periodontal disease can lead to bone loss and tooth loss. At Pragma Dental, we offer several options for gum disease treatment and create personalized plans tailored to your unique needs. Our goal is always to stop periodontal disease in its tracks, ensuring you can enjoy the best possible oral health.
What can I personally do to improve gum health?
Regular flossing, brushing, and routine dental checkups and cleanings all support optimal oral health. Preventive care, such as professional teeth cleanings, allows your dentist to remove hard-to-reach plaque and tartar, which helps prevent bacteria from causing inflammation and infection.
Is there a cure for periodontal / gum disease?
While there is no cure for gum disease, targeted treatments can stop it from progressing and causing further damage. During a dental exam, your dentist can shed more light on your gum health, including any measures that may be needed to address gingivitis or periodontal disease.
Ready to Upgrade your smile?
OUR OFFICE
- 1900 Northwest Expy, Suite R205 Oklahoma City, OK 73118 (Located in: 50 Penn Place)
