Gum disease treatment in York

Gum disease is an infection of the tissue and bone that hold your teeth in place. Caught early, it can usually be controlled with a deep cleaning and good home care. Left alone, it is the most common reason adults lose teeth. As periodontists, treating it is the core of what we do every day.

Signs you may have gum disease

Gum disease rarely hurts until it is advanced, which is why so many people don't know they have it. According to the CDC, roughly 4 in 10 American adults over 30 have some form of periodontitis. Watch for:

• Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
• Red, swollen or tender gums
• Bad breath or a bad taste that doesn't go away
• Gums pulling back from the teeth, making teeth look longer
• Teeth that feel loose or have shifted, or a bite that feels different
• Pus between the teeth and gums

If your dentist or hygienist has measured "pockets" of 5 mm or deeper, that is the usual reason they refer you to us.

How we treat it

Treatment depends on how far the infection has gone. We always start with the least invasive option that can work.

Scaling and root planing (deep cleaning)

We numb the area and clean below the gum line, removing hardened tartar and bacteria from the root surfaces, then smooth the roots so the gums can reattach. It is usually done in two visits, one side of the mouth at a time. Most people are back to normal the same day.

Local antibiotics

For pockets that stay deep after cleaning, we can place a slow-release antibiotic, such as Arestin, directly into the pocket to help it heal.

Pocket reduction (osseous) surgery

When pockets are too deep to clean, we gently fold back the gum, clean the roots, reshape damaged bone and reposition the gum so the area can be kept clean at home.

Regeneration

Where bone has been lost, we can sometimes rebuild it with bone grafting and a membrane that lets the body regrow the lost support around a tooth.

Gum disease and your overall health

Research has linked periodontitis with diabetes, heart disease and complications in pregnancy. Treating gum disease is not a cure for those conditions, but people with diabetes in particular often find their blood sugar is easier to control once their gums are healthy. Tell us about your medical history and medications at your first visit so we can plan around them.

Keeping it under control

Gum disease can be controlled, not cured. After treatment, most patients come in for periodontal maintenance every three or four months, often alternating with their regular dentist.

What to expect

1. Exam and measurementsWe measure the space around every tooth, review your X-rays and medical history, and show you what we find.
2. A plan in plain termsWe explain your options, how many visits it takes, and what your insurance is likely to cover before we start.
3. TreatmentUsually a deep cleaning under local anesthetic, in one or two visits.
4. Re-checkAbout 6 to 8 weeks later we measure again to see how the gums have healed and decide if anything else is needed.

Questions we hear often

Does a deep cleaning hurt?

We numb the area first, so most people feel pressure rather than pain. Gums can be tender for a day or two afterward; over-the-counter pain relief is usually enough.

Can gum disease be reversed?

The earliest stage, gingivitis, can be fully reversed. Once bone has been lost (periodontitis), the infection can be stopped and controlled, and in some cases lost bone can be partly regrown.

Is gum disease treatment covered by insurance?

Most dental plans cover scaling and root planing and periodontal maintenance at some level. We check your benefits and give you an estimate before treatment.

Do I need a referral?

No. Many patients are referred by their dentist, but you can call us directly.