Healthy gums hold your teeth in place, and they shape the foundation of your whole smile. Your dentist offers several treatments that target gum disease at different stages. While some methods clean below the gumline, others reshape tissue or bone to restore support. Here are some gum treatments so you know what to expect at your next visit:
Laser Therapy
Laser therapy treats infected gum tissue with focused light energy. Your dentist guides the laser along the gumline, and the beam removes diseased tissue while leaving healthy areas alone. Since the tool works with precision, this approach often means less bleeding than traditional methods. A dentist numbs the area first, and you stay awake throughout the appointment.
Gum Scaling and Planing
Scaling and planing is a deep cleaning that reaches below the gumline. Your dentist removes plaque and tartar from the tooth roots, and they smooth rough surfaces afterward. Since bacteria cling to rough spots, smoothing helps gums reattach to the teeth.
Gum treatments may be scheduled over multiple appointments. A dentist cleans one side of your mouth first, and they finish the other side later. You might feel mild soreness for a few days, though it fades quickly with rest.
Here is what scaling and planing typically addresses:
- Plaque buildup trapped in deep gum pockets
- Tartar hardened along the tooth roots
- Root surfaces that attract bacteria
After the cleaning, your dentist measures your gum pockets again. If pockets stay deep, they may suggest further care. Following their home-care steps keeps the results steady between visits.
Osseous Surgery
Osseous surgery treats advanced gum disease that has reached the bone. A periodontist folds back the gum tissue, and they clean the deep pockets directly. Because damaged bone often has uneven edges, the surgeon reshapes it to reduce spaces where bacteria gather.
The procedure happens under local anesthesia. Your surgeon stitches the gums back snugly afterward, and you receive aftercare instructions before leaving. Healing takes several weeks, so you plan softer meals during recovery.
Pinhole Surgery
Pinhole surgery treats gum recession without cuts or stitches. A periodontist makes a tiny hole in the gum, and they gently move existing tissue to cover exposed roots. Since the method skips grafting, recovery often feels quicker than older techniques.
Patients may notice minimal swelling afterward. You avoid hard foods for a short window, and you keep the area clean as it heals. The treatment suits people with mild to moderate recession across several teeth.
Pinhole surgery offers a few practical features:
- Absence of scalpels or sutures during the procedure
- Treatment of multiple teeth in one session
- Recovery window that is short for many patients
Your dentist reviews your gum health before recommending this option. They check how much tissue remains, and they confirm the recession level first. This step matches the treatment to your specific needs.
Schedule Gum Treatments Near You
Your gums need attention long before pain appears, and early care keeps small problems from growing. Since gum disease moves quietly, regular check-ups catch issues you might miss at home. Talk with your dentist about which option fits your situation, and ask any questions that come to mind. Book an appointment with a periodontist today, and let us help you keep your gums strong for years ahead.
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