Gum Disease Treatment in South Hadley, MA
Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is a bacterial infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. It often develops quietly, without pain, and is a leading cause of tooth loss in adults. At Baltazar Dental, Dr. Felicia Baltazar screens for gum disease at every cleaning and exam and offers effective treatments like scaling and root planing to stop the infection, help your gums heal, and protect your smile for the long term.
Understanding the Stages of Gum Disease
Gum disease begins when plaque and tartar build up along and beneath the gumline, causing inflammation.
- Gingivitis: The earliest stage. Gums may look red or puffy and bleed when you brush or floss. Gingivitis is reversible with professional care and good home hygiene.
- Periodontitis: If inflammation continues, gums begin pulling away from the teeth and forming pockets where bacteria hide. These pockets can’t be cleaned by brushing alone.
- Advanced periodontitis: The bone and tissues supporting the teeth break down, which can cause teeth to loosen, shift, or fall out.
Warning Signs of Gum Disease
Watch for bleeding gums, red or swollen gum tissue, persistent bad breath, gums that appear to be receding, new tooth sensitivity, loose teeth, or changes in the way your teeth fit together. Risk factors include smoking, diabetes, hormonal changes, certain medications, and skipping regular dental visits.
How We Treat Gum Disease
Treatment depends on the stage of your condition. Early gingivitis can often be reversed with a professional cleaning and improved brushing and flossing habits. For periodontitis, we recommend scaling and root planing, a deep cleaning that removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline and smooths the tooth roots so gums can reattach and heal. We use digital X-rays to evaluate bone levels and our intraoral camera to show you exactly what we see.
Gum Disease and Your Overall Health
Research has linked periodontal disease to other health concerns, including heart disease and diabetes. Keeping your gums healthy is one of the best ways to support your whole-body health, which is why preventative dentistry is so important to our practice.
Restoring Your Smile After Gum Disease
If gum disease has already caused tooth loss, we can help you restore function and appearance with dental bridges, partial dentures, full dentures, or implant restoration. Learn more about treatment for missing teeth or browse all the conditions we treat.
Gum Disease FAQs
Is bleeding when I brush a sign of gum disease?
Yes, bleeding gums are one of the most common early signs of gingivitis. Healthy gums should not bleed during normal brushing and flossing, so it’s worth scheduling an exam if you notice bleeding.
Can gum disease be reversed?
Gingivitis, the earliest stage, can usually be reversed with a professional cleaning and good home care. Periodontitis can’t be fully reversed, but it can be controlled with treatments like scaling and root planing and consistent maintenance visits.
What is scaling and root planing?
Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning that removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline and smooths the tooth roots, helping the gums reattach and heal.
Does gum disease treatment hurt?
Some patients feel mild discomfort during treatment and temporary sensitivity afterward. We create a personalized plan to keep you as comfortable as possible.
Can gum disease cause tooth loss?
Yes. Without treatment, gum disease can destroy the bone and tissue that support the teeth, causing them to loosen and eventually fall out.
How often should I see the dentist if I have gum disease?
Patients with a history of gum disease often benefit from more frequent cleanings than the standard six-month schedule. Dr. Baltazar will recommend an interval based on your gum health.
Where can I get gum disease treatment in South Hadley, MA?
Baltazar Dental in South Hadley, MA diagnoses and treats gum disease, including scaling and root planing. Call (413) 538-7546 to schedule an evaluation.
Protect Your Gums and Your Smile
Don’t ignore bleeding or tender gums. Call Baltazar Dental at (413) 538-7546 to schedule a gum health evaluation with Dr. Baltazar in South Hadley, MA .