Treatment for gum disease with laser therapy in Riverview, FL
Gum Disease Treatment
Infections in your gums can cause bad breath, receding gums, pain and sensitivity in your teeth, and eventually tooth loss. Because your gum tissue doesn’t regenerate the same way as other soft tissues in your body, gum disease requires prompt treatment before there is irreversible damage. The dentists at Inspiration Dental in Riverview, FL, offer gum disease treatment using dental lasers to reduce patient discomfort and restore healthy gums and teeth.
The progression of gum disease
Gum disease is caused by pathogenic bacteria in your mouth. As they feed, they form acids and a sticky biofilm known as plaque. The acids wear down tooth enamel and help plaque to stick in place, where it will harden and form tartar. Tartar acts as a protective barrier for the bacteria, and it’s impossible to remove without the help of a dentist. Meanwhile, these same bacteria produce swelling in the gums, which causes them to pull away from your teeth and allow the bacteria to hide in tiny pockets below your gum line.
In the early stage, gum disease is known as gingivitis. You may notice bad breath, swollen or red gums, or bleeding when you brush or chew certain foods. As the tartar forms under your gum line, the bacteria can infect the bone, ligaments, and soft tissues in your mouth, causing irreversible damage. This advanced form of gum disease is known periodontitis, and it is more difficult to treat.
Gingivitis and periodontitis treatment
Gum disease is preventable with good oral hygiene, routine dental cleanings, and with good eating habits. Even so, gum disease is one of the most common chronic conditions that affect adults, and the older you get, the more likely you’ll deal with it.Traditionally, gingivitis and periodontitis are treated using scaling and root planing. This treatment is a long, sometimes uncomfortable process where the dental team scrapes tartar and plaque from underneath your gum line. Dual-wavelength laser light therapy offers a more efficient alternative that doesn’t require any scraping or prodding in your gums.
Gum Disease Treatment FAQs
Is it possible to have gum disease without feeling any pain?
Yes, many people develop gum disease without any noticeable discomfort. In its earliest stage, gingivitis, you might only see mild signs like bleeding while brushing or gums that look puffy. Because it doesn’t always cause pain immediately, gum disease can progress before you know it. Regular dental checkups are key to catching and treating the issue early.
What’s the difference between early and advanced gum disease?
Early gum disease (gingivitis) affects only the surface of the gums and can usually be reversed with better oral hygiene and professional cleaning. As the condition worsens into periodontitis, the bone and tissues that hold your teeth in place begin to breakdown. At this point, more in-depth treatment is needed to stop the disease from progressing further.
Can gum infections affect other parts of my body?
Yes, studies have linked untreated gum infections with health issues such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes complications, and even poor pregnancy outcomes. The inflammation caused by gum disease can enter the bloodstream and potentially affect other organs. Keeping your gums healthy plays a surprisingly big role in supporting your overall health.
What happens during deep cleaning for gum disease?
Deep cleaning, also called scaling and root planning, involves removing hardened plaque (tartar) below the gum line. The dentist or hygienist then smooths the root surfaces so the gums can heal and reattach. Local anesthesia is usually used to keep you comfortable. While you may feel tender afterward, most people recover quickly and notice a big improvement in their gum health.
Can my gums return to normal after treatment?
If gum disease is caught early, the inflammation and bleeding can be reversed properly. The goal for more advanced cases is to stop the disease from worsening. Some tissue or bone loss may be permanent, but we’ll work with you to create a plan that supports healing and helps your gums stay as healthy as possible going forward.
Will I need extra dental cleanings if I’ve had gum disease?
In many cases, yes. People who’ve experienced gum disease often benefit from more frequent dental cleanings—usually every three to four months instead of the standard 6-month interval. These cleanings target bacteria that can hide deep under the gums and help reduce the chance of infection returning.
My family has a history of gum disease. Can I still avoid it?
You’re not powerless even if you’re genetically more likely to develop gum problems. Brushing twice daily, flossing consistently, avoiding tobacco, and seeing your dentist regularly can significantly lower your risk. At Inspiration Dental, we’ll assess your personal risk factors and offer practical strategies to help you keep your gums strong and disease-free.
Gum Disease
Dental lasers can eliminate bacteria in gingival pockets and warm the cells responsible for healing to stimulate gum reattachment. Laser therapy can reverse periodontal disease and, in many cases, avoid the need for gum surgery. Once the infection is clear, our team will work with you to prevent gum disease from recurring and protect your smile for years to come. Contact our office in Riverview, FL, today at (813) 638-0313 to schedule an appointment and prevent complications from gum disease.
DR. JANIS MILNE
Dr. Janis Milne is dedicated to providing high-quality dental care for patients while focusing on preventing dental problems. She obtained her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the prestigious University of Toronto, Faculty of Dentistry before completing an Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) at Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale. She continues to further her education by attending various dental programs. She loves helping her patients achieve their best smiles while dealing with their fears, concerns, and expectations.
DR. ROSIE KICKISH
Dr. Rosalia "Rosie" Kickish is a highly qualified dentist with over nine years of experience. She obtained her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the James B. Edwards College of Dental Medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina, following a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the College of Charleston. She completed advanced training at the University of Florida's General Dentistry program. Dr. Kickish has practiced in Goose Creek, SC, and Tallahassee, FL, honing her expertise in general dentistry. Now at Inspiration Dental in Riverview, FL, she is dedicated to providing compassionate care and building lasting patient relationships in the Tampa Bay community.
DR. ROSIE KICKISH
Dr. Rosalia "Rosie" Kickish is a highly qualified dentist with over nine years of experience. She obtained her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the James B. Edwards College of Dental Medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina, following a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the College of Charleston. She completed advanced training at the University of Florida's General Dentistry program. Dr. Kickish has practiced in Goose Creek, SC, and Tallahassee, FL, honing her expertise in general dentistry. Now at Inspiration Dental in Riverview, FL, she is dedicated to providing compassionate care and building lasting patient relationships in the Tampa Bay community.
