Gum Disease Treatment – North Raleigh, NC
Helping Your
Infected Gums Heal
Periodontal disease (also commonly known as gum disease) is one of the most common health problems on the planet, with countless patients being unaware of their condition. This happens because the signs and symptoms can be very subtle at first and even unnoticeable for untrained eyes, resulting in oral damage that could have been avoided earlier on. Here in North Raleigh, NC, Dr. Philip Lisk will take care to diagnose periodontal disease at the earliest stages possible, providing the appropriate treatment and protecting your healthy, happy smile.
Why Choose Dr. Philip A. Lisk for Gum Disease Treatment?
- Advanced Technology for Planning Treatments
- Meticulous, Relatable Dentist with Gentle Touch
- Relaxing Sedation Options and Welcoming Office
Symptoms & Risks of Periodontal Disease
Attending routine check-ups with a skilled and supportive dental team like ours is the most important step to take to ensure whether or not you're struggling with periodontal disease. However, there are tell-tale symptoms patients look for at home that may indicate the need for an earlier visit. These include:
- Gum tissue that is significantly red or swollen
- Oral bleeding that occurs when flossing or brushing
- Serious bad breath that lingers after oral hygiene
- Teeth that appear longer over time (a sign of a receding gum line)
- A change in the way your bite fits together or in the way your teeth feel
There are also risk factors that can increase a person's chances of having periodontal disease. These include:
- A regular smoking habit
- Taking medications that reduce the flow of saliva
- Genetics
- The presence of diabetes
- The presence of AIDS
- Undergoing treatment for certain cancers
Gum Disease Treatment Options
Our recommendation for periodontal treatment depends on the severity of your case. In the early stages of this disease, patients experience gingivitis, a mild inflammation of the gums. This can be reversed with more frequent cleanings at our North Raleigh practice and a more effective oral hygiene routine at home.
If gingivitis is left untreated, it will advance to a stage known as periodontitis, which results in the gums starting to pull away from the teeth and create bacteria-filled “pockets.” To combat these concerns, Dr. Lisk can provide an in-depth, non-surgical cleaning known as scaling and root planing. This will involve our team removing plaque and tartar from the gum line and smoothing away rough areas from the tooth roots.
Scaling & Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning procedure used to treat gum disease and prevent it from getting worse. This non-surgical treatment removes plaque, tartar, and bacteria from below the gumline, leaving your teeth and gums feeling revitalized.
At Philip A. Lisk, DDS, we use gentle techniques and advanced tools to ensure your mouth stays healthy and your smile stays strong. It’s one of the most effective ways to stop gum disease in its tracks. If you’re curious about how this procedure works, read more below.
Do I Need Scaling & Root Planing?
If your gums are red, swollen, bleed when brushing, or feel tender, you might be showing signs of gum disease. In its early stages (gingivitis), gum disease can often be reversed with daily brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings.
However, when the infection spreads deeper under the gums, scaling and root planing may be necessary. At our North Raleigh office, our team will assess your gums and recommend the best treatment to restore your oral health.
The Process of Scaling & Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is usually done in two steps. First, your mouth is numbed with a local anesthetic and “scaled.” This removes plaque and tartar from above and below your gumline.
Next, we use special instruments to perform root planing, which smooths out your tooth roots. This makes it easier for your gums to reattach, but harder for bacteria and plaque to stick around.
Depending on the severity of your condition, this process can take more than one visit, though not normally more than two. We’ll be sure to let you know your treatment schedule at your consultation.
Aftercare Tips for Scaling & Root Planing
After your treatment, it’s normal to experience some mild soreness or sensitivity as your gums heal. To keep things moving in the right direction, here are some general aftercare tips:
- Gently rinse with warm salt water to inhibit bacterial growth
- Brush gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush and floss carefully
- Avoid hard, sticky, or spicy foods for a few days to prevent discomfort or irritation
Once your procedure is complete, we’ll provide additional custom aftercare instructions as needed and schedule follow-ups to monitor your progress.
Antibiotic Therapy
Even after scaling & root planing have been performed, it takes time for the gums to heal. You don’t want the bacteria in your mouth to cause further damage before you’ve fully recovered, which is why we’ll use special kind of antibiotic called doxycycline to help you fight the infection. Simply take the medication as directed (usually about once or twice a day after meals). The medication won’t necessarily treat the infection itself, but it will help prevent the gum tissue from breaking down further.