Gum Disease Treatment in Frisco, TX — Deep Cleaning and Periodontal Care with Dr. Thasma
Bleeding when you brush, swollen gums or bad breath that won’t go away are often the first signs of gum disease. At Coit Dental in Frisco, TX, Dr. Shalini Thasma finds gum disease early and treats it with professional cleanings, scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) and regular periodontal maintenance, so you can keep your natural teeth.
Gum disease (periodontal disease) is an infection of the gums and the bone that hold your teeth in place. It starts when plaque, the sticky film of bacteria on your teeth, builds up along the gum line and hardens into tartar that brushing can’t remove. Nearly half of U.S. adults aged 30 and older have some form of periodontitis, according to the CDC, and it is a leading cause of tooth loss in adults.
Because early gum disease is usually painless, many people don’t know they have it. Dr. Thasma checks your gums at every exam, measuring the small pockets between gums and teeth, so problems are found while they are still easy to treat.
Noticed bleeding or swollen gums? Book a gum check at Coit Dental in Frisco, TX.
Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease
See a dentist if you notice any of these signs. The earlier gum disease is treated, the simpler the treatment.
Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
Red, swollen or tender gums
Bad breath or a bad taste that won’t go away
Gums pulling away from the teeth (receding)
Loose or shifting teeth, or a change in your bite
Pus between teeth and gums, or pain when chewing
The Stages of Gum Disease
Gingivitis
The earliest stage. Plaque irritates the gums, which turn red, swell and bleed easily, but the bone is not yet affected. Gingivitis is reversible with a professional cleaning and better brushing and flossing at home.
Periodontitis
Left untreated, the infection spreads below the gum line. Gums pull away from the teeth and form pockets that collect bacteria, and the bone that supports the teeth starts to break down. The damage can’t be undone, but treatment can stop it.
Advanced periodontitis
The pockets deepen and more bone is lost. Teeth can loosen, shift or need to be removed. Advanced cases may need gum surgery from a periodontist (gum specialist), and Dr. Thasma will refer you when that is the best option.
How We Treat Gum Disease at Coit Dental
Treatment depends on how far the disease has progressed. Dr. Thasma explains what she finds and the options before any treatment begins.
Periodontal exam
Dr. Thasma measures the depth of the pockets around each tooth, checks for bleeding, recession and loose teeth, and takes X-rays to see the bone level.
Professional cleaning
For gingivitis, a thorough cleaning removes plaque and tartar above and just below the gum line. With good home care, gums usually heal within a few weeks.
Scaling and root planing (deep cleaning)
For periodontitis, the teeth are cleaned below the gum line under local anesthetic. Scaling removes tartar and bacteria from the pockets, and root planing smooths the root surfaces so the gums can reattach. It is usually done in two or more visits.
Periodontal maintenance
After a deep cleaning, regular maintenance visits, usually every 3 to 4 months, keep the pockets clean and let Dr. Thasma catch any changes early.
Who Is at Risk for Gum Disease?
Anyone can develop gum disease, but these factors raise the risk:
Tell Dr. Thasma about any medical conditions and medications you take; they help her plan your treatment. Crowded teeth can be straightened with Invisalign, which makes them easier to keep clean.
Gum Health and Your Overall Health
Research links gum disease with other health conditions, including diabetes and heart disease. Gum disease can make blood sugar harder to control, and diabetes makes gum infections more likely, so treating one helps the other. Pregnant women should also have their gums checked, since hormonal changes make gums more prone to inflammation.
How Much Does Gum Disease Treatment Cost in Frisco, TX?
The cost depends on the stage of gum disease and how many areas of the mouth need treatment. A cleaning for gingivitis costs less than scaling and root planing, which is priced per quadrant (a quarter of the mouth). Dr. Thasma gives you a treatment plan with costs before treatment begins.
Most PPO dental insurance plans cover part of periodontal treatment. Coit Dental is in-network with Cigna, Aetna, Delta Dental, MetLife and UnitedHealthcare, and we verify your benefits before treatment. Contact us for a personal estimate.
Preventing Gum Disease at Home
Good daily habits keep gum disease from starting and from coming back after treatment:
Brush twice a day for two minutes with a soft brush and fluoride toothpaste, angling the bristles toward the gum line.
Floss or use interdental brushes once a day to clean between teeth, where the brush can’t reach.
See the dentist for a cleaning and gum check every 6 months, or as often as Dr. Thasma recommends.
Don’t smoke or use tobacco. Quitting improves how your gums respond to treatment.
Eat a balanced diet and limit sugary snacks and drinks.
If you have diabetes, keep your blood sugar under control.
Read more about daily care on our oral hygiene page.
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