Jacksonville, FL Gum Disease Treatment

Do your gums bleed when you brush and floss? Or have you noticed bad breath that won’t go away? Unfortunately, you might be dealing with gum disease. While this may sound scary, gum disease is a prevalent issue many people face! With the right treatment and care, you can manage your gum disease symptoms and restore your oral health to keep your smile strong and bright for many years to come.

At Airway Dental, we provide excellent dental care for patients suffering from gum disease in Jacksonville, FL. Our dedicated team combines advanced technology with comprehensive treatment approaches to address both the symptoms and root causes of periodontal issues. We offer laser therapy and other innovative treatments that may help restore your gum health with minimal discomfort. Our years of experience in airway dentistry allow us to take a holistic approach to your oral health needs.

Swollen, red, or bleeding gums aren’t just an adult issue—kids can experience early gum disease too. If your child has persistent bad breath, sensitive gums, or buildup along the gumline, it may be time to seek treatment. Early care helps prevent long-term damage and keeps their smile healthy.

What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease is an infection of the tissue that supports your teeth. Also known as periodontal disease, it develops when bacterial plaque build up along the gum line, leading to inflammation and deterioration of the supporting bone structure if left untreated. While poor oral hygiene is the primary cause of gum disease, age, genetics, health issues, and tobacco use can all contribute to the development of the condition. Some common signs of gum disease include:

Purple or red gums
Bleeding from the gums, especially during brushing and flossing
Tender or painful gum tissue
Bad taste in the mouth
Swollen or puffy gums
Discomfort while chewing food
Gums pulling away from teeth
Unpleasant taste in the mouth
Teeth that feel unstable or have fallen out
Bite alignment issues

Gum disease progresses through four stages: gingivitis, mild periodontitis, moderate periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis. While symptoms can be managed at any stage of gum disease, gingivitis is the only level of the disease that can be reversed.

Gingivitis

The first stage of gum disease, gingivitis, appears when millions of bacteria organize and form a plaque causing the gums to become red, swollen, and prone to bleeding. The good news is that proper oral hygiene at home and professional dental cleanings can help treat and reverse the effects of gingivitis on the mouth.

Mild Periodontitis

If gingivitis isn’t treated, it can develop into mild periodontitis. At this stage, bacteria begins to work its way below the gumline and damage the bone and supporting structures of the teeth, causing small pockets to form in the bone along the root surfaces of the teeth. This is the first stage of periodontal disease, where you may see gum recession from early bone loss as the gums begin to pull back from the teeth. Treatment may involve more frequent professional cleanings, Laser Bacterial Reduction (LBR), probiotic and antibacterial therapies.

Moderate Periodontitis

Moderate periodontitis involves deeper soft tissue pockets around the teeth and greater bone loss down the roots as bacteria builds up in these defects. Symptoms may include more severe gum recession, persistent bad breath, and increased tooth sensitivity. Professional cleanings and deep scaling treatments in combination with bacterial reduction modlities can help manage moderate periodontitis. Also, laser assisted Perio Repair and guided tissue regeneration are advanced and proven treatments!

Advanced Periodontitis

At the most advanced stage, the infection can cause severe supporting bone deterioration, loose teeth, and even tooth loss as the gums recede from the teeth and the supporting structure breaks down. Advanced periodontitis is a serious condition that warrants immediate intervention and comprehensive treatments (mentioned in Moderate Periodontitis) along with surgeries and bone grafting to provide access for better oral hygiene in problem areas.

Treatment Option for Gum Disease in Jacksonville, FL.

According to the CDC, about 42% of adults over 30 have some form of periodontitis. Because of this, early intervention and treatment are critical in potentially reversing gum disease’s effects on oral health and managing symptoms. The most significant prevention strategy for gum disease is a quality oral care routine, including brushing, flossing, and routine dental cleanings. At our Jacksonville, FL., office, we offer several effective treatment options emphasizing conservative, non-surgical therapies and surgical treatments to help restore support for your teeth and improve your gum health.

Scaling and Root Planing

During this procedure, your certified dental hygienist will carefully clean both your teeth and gums, including the areas beneath your gum line. We typically divide this treatment into several appointments to properly address each section of your mouth. The scaling phase involves removing plaque and tartar from the crowns of your teeth. At the same time, root planing focuses on disinfecting and smoothing the tooth roots to prevent future plaque attachment and promote healing of the surrounding tissues.

Laser Therapy

Laser therapy is a minimally invasive option that removes infected tissue and bacteria without the need for open flap surgery. A specialized laser uses concentrated light energy to target infected gum tissue while saving as much healthy tissue as possible. This treatment reduces swelling and bleeding, leading to faster and more comfortable healing, making it an excellent solution for treating gum disease.

Gum and Bone Grafting

When periodontal disease leads to deterioration of your gums and bone, your dentist may recommend a gum or bone grafting procedure to reinforce and support these structures. Gum grafting involves taking healthy tissue from another area of your mouth to cover exposed tooth roots and increase gum thickness. For patients experiencing bone loss, we can apply healthy bone material to the bony defects to enhance stability and create a strong foundation for your teeth.

If you have any questions about the gum disease treatment options available in our Jacksonville, FL. office, please contact us at Airway Dental and More to schedule an appointment.

Why Choose Airway Dental for Your Gum Disease Treatment?

At Airway Dental, our experienced Jacksonville dentists take pride in offering comprehensive gum disease treatment using the latest techniques and technology. Our team has extensive training in airway dentistry and understands the connection between gum health and overall wellness. We take the time to develop personalized treatment solutions that consider your specific needs and concerns. Our gentle approach and devotion to patient comfort make us the ideal choice for patients seeking effective gum disease treatment in Jacksonville.

Don’t wait until gum disease progresses—take control of your oral health today. Our team at Airway Dental is ready to provide you with top-notch care in a comfortable, welcoming environment. We combine years of experience with advanced technology like laser therapy to deliver exceptional results for patients of all ages. Contact us at (904) 268-4466 or through our contact form to schedule your appointment.