Gum disease is one of the most common oral health problems adults face, but it’s also one of the most preventable and treatable with early intervention. At Andover Family Dentistry in Andover, KS, Dr. Howell and our team provide deep cleanings and periodontal treatment to restore gum health, prevent tooth loss, and protect your smile for the long term.
If you’ve been told you have gum disease or notice signs like bleeding, swelling, or receding gums, we’re here to help you get back on track with personalized, gentle care.
What Gum Disease Does To Your Mouth
Gum disease begins when plaque and bacteria build up along the gumline, causing inflammation and infection. In the early stage, called gingivitis, gums become red, swollen, and may bleed when you brush or floss.
Left untreated, gingivitis progresses to periodontitis. The infection spreads below the gumline, creating pockets between the teeth and gums. Bacteria attack the bone and tissue that support your teeth, leading to bone loss, gum recession, and eventually tooth loss.
Gum disease has also been linked to serious health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. Treating gum disease protects not just your mouth, but your overall health.
Deep Cleaning That Stops Progression
When gum disease has progressed beyond gingivitis, a routine cleaning isn’t enough. You need a deep cleaning, also called scaling and root planing.
Scaling removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline where regular cleaning tools can’t reach. Root planing smooths the tooth roots, making it harder for bacteria to reattach and allowing your gums to heal and reattach to the teeth.
The procedure is typically done in sections over one or two visits. We numb the area to keep you comfortable throughout. Most patients experience minimal discomfort and are surprised by how manageable the process is.
Eliminating Infection Below The Surface
The goal of deep cleaning is to eliminate the infection that is causing gum disease. By removing bacteria and tartar from below the gumline, we stop the disease from progressing and give your gums a chance to heal.
After your deep cleaning, your gums will begin to tighten and reattach to your teeth. Inflammation decreases. Bleeding stops. Pocket depths reduce. With proper follow-up care, many patients see significant improvement in their gum health within a few weeks.
Ongoing Care To Keep Gums Healthy
Once your gum disease is under control, maintenance is key. Periodontal maintenance visits, typically every three to four months, help keep bacteria levels low and prevent the disease from returning.
These appointments are more involved than routine cleanings. We carefully clean below the gumline, measure pocket depths to monitor your progress, and check for any signs that the disease is returning.
Consistent maintenance is the best way to protect your gums and teeth after treatment.
Preventing Tooth Loss
Untreated gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. As the infection destroys bone and tissue, teeth lose their support and eventually become loose or fall out.
Deep cleanings and periodontal treatment stop this progression. By addressing gum disease early and maintaining your results with regular care, you can keep your natural teeth for life.
Preventing bone loss also protects your facial structure and prevents the sunken appearance that comes with advanced gum disease.
Managing Gum Disease Long-Term
Gum disease is a chronic condition, but it’s manageable with the right care. After your initial treatment, we’ll work with you to create a long-term plan that keeps your gums healthy and prevents the disease from coming back.
This includes regular periodontal maintenance visits, excellent home care with brushing and flossing, and lifestyle changes like quitting smoking if applicable. With consistent care and commitment, most patients can control gum disease and maintain healthy gums for life.
Take Control Of Your Gum Health
At Andover Family Dentistry, we provide the deep cleanings and periodontal treatment you need to restore your gum health and protect your smile. Dr. Howell and our experienced team combine advanced technology with gentle, patient-centered care to help you achieve the best possible outcomes.
Call our Andover, KS office or book online to schedule your periodontal evaluation. We’ll assess your gum health, explain your treatment options, and create a plan that gets your smile back on track.