Periodontal/Gum Treatments Hilliard, OH
Your gums are the foundation of a healthy smile, but they often don’t get the attention they deserve. When problems arise, it can be concerning. Gum disease is a common condition that affects nearly half of all adults in the United States; however, effective treatment is available.
At Hilliard Modern Dental, Dr. Benjamin R. Lamielle and our experienced team focus on detecting and treating gum disease early, protecting your teeth, jawbone, and overall health. Gum disease affects many people and can progress silently, sometimes without pain, until serious complications arise.
With early intervention and proper care, we can halt gum disease, restore healthy tissue, and reduce your risk of tooth loss. From professional cleanings to advanced surgical therapies, we offer comprehensive gum treatments tailored to each patient’s individual needs in Hilliard.
Understanding the Basics of Gum Disease
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection of the soft tissues and bone that support your teeth. It occurs when plaque and tartar buildup along the gum line allow harmful bacteria to inflame and damage gum tissue. If left untreated, the disease can progress from mild gingivitis to advanced periodontitis, resulting in loose teeth, gum recession, and even bone loss.
Common warning signs include:
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Bleeding during brushing or flossing
- Persistent bad breath or bad taste in the mouth
- Receding gums or longer-looking teeth
- Loose teeth or changes in your bite
Early detection provides the best chance to reverse gum disease and restore healthy tissue. Dr. Lamielle will evaluate your gums and create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your individual needs.
The Importance of Gum Health
Maintaining healthy gums goes beyond preserving your smile. Gum disease has been linked to several systemic health conditions, including heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and even insulin resistance. When infection persists in the gums, bacteria can enter the bloodstream, contributing to inflammation throughout the body.
Prioritizing gum health improves both oral and overall health. Regular dental visits, proper brushing, and professional treatment when needed are crucial in preventing complications.
Do you need to schedule a visit to our Hilliard dental office? Call today to schedule your appointment.
Non-Surgical Gum Disease Treatments
For Hilliard patients with mild to moderate gum disease, nonsurgical treatments are highly effective.
Professional Dental Cleanings
When you have gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease, professional dental cleanings are a powerful and minimally invasive first line of defense. These cleanings go beyond what you can achieve with daily oral hygiene at home. One of our dental professionals will carefully remove the dental plaque and tartar buildup that has accumulated on your teeth.
By eliminating these irritants, the inflammation in your gums can subside, allowing the tissue to begin healing. This simple, routine procedure can often completely reverse gingivitis. For individuals with a history of gum disease, more frequent cleanings may be recommended.
Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is often referred to as a “deep cleaning” and is one of the most common treatments for mild periodontitis. This nonsurgical procedure is more thorough than a standard cleaning because it targets the area below the gum line. Your comfort is a priority, so a local anesthesia is typically used to numb the area before treatment begins.
The first step is “scaling,” where your hygienist removes all the plaque and tartar from your teeth and from the pockets that have formed around them. Next comes “root planing.” This involves smoothing out the rough spots on your tooth roots.
These rough spots are magnets for bacteria, so making the root surfaces smooth helps prevent bacteria from reattaching. It also provides a clean, healthy surface for your gums to reattach to the teeth, reducing the depth of the pockets.
Antimicrobial Treatments
In some cases, mechanical cleaning alone may not be enough to control the harmful bacteria causing your gum disease. Dr. Lamielle may recommend antimicrobial treatments to help manage the infection and promote healing. These treatments can be used alone or in combination with procedures such as scaling and root planing.
These antimicrobials directly target the bacteria contributing to your condition. They can come in several forms, helping to improve your oral health and giving your gums a better chance to recover. In its earliest stage, gingivitis can be reversed with treatment, and antimicrobials can play a supportive role in this process.
Surgical Options for Advanced Gum Disease
When gum disease reaches advanced stages, surgical interventions may be necessary to protect teeth and bone.
Flap Surgery
For individuals with moderate to advanced periodontal disease, flap surgery is a common and effective treatment. This procedure is recommended when the gum pockets around your teeth have become too deep to be cleaned with nonsurgical methods. During the procedure, you should expect your periodontist to ensure you are comfortable, often using local anesthesia.
The process involves making a small incision in your gums to create a “flap,” which is gently lifted back. This gives Dr. Lamielle direct access to the tooth roots and underlying bone. They can then thoroughly remove all tartar and bacteria from these hard-to-reach areas.
Gum Grafting
Gum recession is a common consequence of periodontal disease, leaving your tooth roots exposed. This can cause sensitivity and make your teeth appear longer. Gum grafting is a surgical procedure designed to correct this issue by covering the exposed roots and restoring the gum line with healthy tissue.
The tissue used for the graft can be sourced from several different sources. Often, a small piece of tissue is taken from the roof of your mouth. In other cases, donated tissue from a licensed tissue bank may be used. Our team will discuss the best option for your specific situation.
Bone Grafting and Guided Tissue Regeneration
Bone grafting and guided tissue regeneration are essential techniques in addressing advanced gum disease and enhancing oral health. By using your own bone or synthetic material, these procedures help rebuild lost bone around the tooth roots, promoting the regrowth of healthy tissue.
This innovative approach not only reduces gum pockets and improves stability but also sets the foundation for potential dental implants. With the right treatment plan, our patients in Hilliard have a better chance of preventing tooth loss and ensuring long-term oral health.
Pocket Reduction Surgery
Periodontal pockets are the spaces that form between your teeth and gums as a result of gum disease. When these pockets become too deep, they collect bacteria that are impossible to remove with daily brushing and flossing. Pocket reduction surgery is designed to address this problem and prevent further damage to your teeth and bone. During this treatment, Dr. Lamielle will focus on making your gums healthier and easier to maintain.
The Gum Treatment Process at Hilliard Modern Dental
At Hilliard Modern Dental, Dr. Lamielle and our team are committed to helping you achieve and maintain optimal gum health.
Initial Consultation
Your first visit will involve a comprehensive examination with Dr. Lamielle. We will:
- Review your dental and medical history
- Examine your gums for signs of disease
- Take X-rays to evaluate bone structure and detect hidden issues
- Discuss symptoms, concerns, and treatment options
This detailed assessment enables us to gain a comprehensive understanding of your oral health. Based on these findings, we can determine the stage and severity of your gum disease and discuss whether professional treatment is necessary to restore your gums to health.
Developing Your Treatment Plan
Based on the examination, Dr. Lamielle creates a personalized plan. Treatment may involve:
- Nonsurgical procedures, such as scaling and root planing
- Surgical options for advanced disease
- A combination of therapies for optimal results
We will walk you through our recommendations, explain the benefits of the proposed treatment, and answer any questions you have, ensuring you feel confident and informed.
Ongoing Monitoring
Regular follow-ups ensure that gums are healing properly and periodontal pockets remain under control. Professional maintenance is key to long-term success.
Caring for Your Gums at Home
Maintaining healthy gums is a shared responsibility between the patient and dental professionals. Recommended steps include:
- Brushing at least twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
- Flossing daily to remove plaque between teeth
- Using antimicrobial rinses as advised by Dr. Lamielle
- Scheduling routine professional dental cleanings every 3–6 months
- Monitoring for early signs of gum disease, such as bleeding or swelling
Proper home care complements professional treatments and helps prevent recurrence.
Early Detection and Prevention
Gum disease is easier to treat when caught early. Regular dental visits allow Dr. Lamielle to:
- Detect early signs before they progress to advanced periodontitis
- Provide minimally invasive treatments when possible
- Offer guidance on oral hygiene habits to prevent recurrence
Thousands of people will experience some form of gum disease in their lifetime, highlighting the importance of early detection and consistent care.
Take the First Step Toward Healthier Gums
Don’t wait for gum disease to progress. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Benjamin R. Lamielle at Hilliard Modern Dental in Hilliard, Ohio. Together, we can create a treatment plan tailored to your needs, restoring gum health and protecting your smile. Call us today at 614-529-9644 to begin your journey toward a healthier mouth and overall well-being.
