Gum Disease Treatment in Portland

The health of your smile is important, and this includes the state of your teeth and gums. Properly caring for not only your dental structures but your gingival ones as well, positively impacts your overall well-being.

Dr. David N. Carothers provides periodontal disease treatment in Portland to preserve the health of his patients’ smiles.

Signs of Periodontal Disease

There are two major stages of gum disease: gingivitis, the common form characterized by inflammation of the gums and is reversible with the right treatment, and advanced periodontitis, which is noted by bone loss detected at your exam and may require complex intervention. Once the disease has reached this stage, tooth extraction may be necessary to preserve your oral health.

You can have periodontal disease without gingivitis, making it all the more important to determine and discuss your best course of care. Patients who do not floss on a regular basis are susceptible to developing periodontal disease due to bacteria left behind in the hard-to-reach areas of their smiles.

Common signs of gum disease to be aware of include:

Red and inflamed gums
Bleeding while brushing or flossing
A receding gum line
Bad breath
Loose teeth

If it has been a while since you’ve visited the dentist or received a professional cleaning, our standard of care includes checking your gums when you come to our office, conveniently located in Portland. Dr. Carothers and his hygienist can catch symptoms early on during your initial or biannually-scheduled appointments. This not only makes for easier treatment but allows for faster recovery time, as well.

Treating Gum Disease with Dr. Carothers

The first signs of periodontal disease can be difficult to diagnose, but our dentist in Portland and his gentle, thorough hygienist conduct oral examinations and create an effective treatment plan catered to your particular situation.

At our practice, we administer care for moderate issues by providing root scaling and planing. We understand that patients may feel reluctant to receive treatment due to the discomfort they believe they will experience during their professional cleanings. Our office offers numbing agents based on your preference so you can feel comfortable and relaxed while we provide care. During these cleanings, debris and plaque are removed from above and below the gum line before smoothing tooth roots so bacteria have less opportunity to develop.

Once treatment is complete, we provide instructions for follow-up care and tips to keep your smile healthy. The best way to prevent the beginning of gum disease is with a diligent at-home dental care routine, including flossing and brushing twice a day. Dr. Carothers recommends his patients to floss before they brush their teeth, with or without a power toothbrush, so the debris loosened by flossing is brushed away.

We work with your schedule to create appropriately timed recall appointments specific to your needs. These check-ups are crucial for us to monitor your smile and help you continue to maintain optimal gum health.

Schedule an Appointment Today!

For patients in Portland seeking more information about gum disease treatment, contact the office of David N. Carothers, DDS, today to schedule an appointment!

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