Periodontal Disease Treatment

Protecting Your Gums and Future Oral Health

Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection affecting the gums, connective tissue, and supporting bone surrounding the teeth. Without proper treatment, this condition may gradually damage gum tissue, contribute to bone loss, and eventually lead to tooth loss.

At Dentistry of West Bend, Dr. Harding provides personalized periodontal disease treatment focused on controlling infection, improving gum health, and protecting long-term oral function. Our office in West Bend, Wisconsin, welcomes patients seeking comprehensive care for gum disease and related oral health concerns.

Understanding Gum Disease and Periodontal Health

Gum disease develops when harmful bacteria, plaque, and tartar build up around the teeth and below the gum line.

Over time, this bacterial infection may affect:

• Gum tissue
• Tooth roots
• Supporting bone
• Connective tissue
• Overall oral health

Early stages of gum disease may begin with mild inflammation and bleeding gums, while advanced gum disease may involve severe periodontitis, deep pockets, loose teeth, and bone deterioration.

Common Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

Many patients are unaware they have gum disease until symptoms become more noticeable.

Symptoms of gum disease may include:

• Bleeding gums
• Gum recession
• Bad breath
• Swollen gums
• Tooth sensitivity
• Deep pockets around teeth
• Loose teeth
• Pain while chewing
• Red or inflamed tissue
• Tooth movement

Patients experiencing warning signs should seek professional treatment promptly to help prevent more serious complications.

What Causes Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is commonly linked to plaque and tartar buildup caused by poor oral hygiene habits.

Contributing factors may include:

• Skipping regular cleanings
• Inconsistent brushing and flossing
• Tobacco use
• Dry mouth
• Hormonal changes
• Diabetes or immune system concerns
• Existing oral health problems
• Poor gum health

Without proper oral care, bacteria may continue spreading beneath the gums and into the surrounding tissue.

How Is Periodontal Disease Diagnosed?

Dr. Harding diagnoses periodontal disease through a comprehensive evaluation of the gums, teeth, bone levels, and periodontal pockets. During the examination, our team reviews symptoms, medical history, gum inflammation, tooth stability, and signs of infection while determining the stage of gum disease and the most appropriate periodontal treatment options.

Why Early Treatment Matters

Early intervention may help prevent periodontal disease from progressing into more severe stages, affecting the supporting bone and connective tissue.

Without proper treatment, an untreated infection may contribute to:

• Tooth loss
• Bone deterioration
• Deep periodontal pockets
• Gum recession
• Damage to tooth roots
• Chronic inflammation
• Increased oral discomfort
• More complex surgical procedures

Addressing gum disease early often allows for more conservative and effective treatment.

Scaling and Root Planing Deep Cleaning Therapy

Scaling and root planing is one of the most common forms of periodontal therapy used to control bacterial infection below the gum line.

This deep cleaning procedure helps remove:

• Plaque buildup
• Tartar deposits
• Harmful bacteria
• Rough spots on tooth roots

Scaling and root planing may also help reduce inflammation while encouraging gum tissue to tighten around the teeth during healing.

The procedure is commonly completed in sections to allow proper healing between appointments.

Antibiotics and Infection Control

Antibiotics are sometimes prescribed alongside periodontal treatment to help reduce harmful bacteria and control infection.

These medications may help:

• Reduce inflammation
• Improve healing
• Control bacterial growth
• Support disease control
• Improve comfort during recovery

Antibiotics are typically combined with professional cleanings and ongoing oral hygiene improvements for the best results.

Advanced Periodontal Treatment Options

Patients with advanced gum disease may require more extensive periodontal therapy to restore gum and bone support.

Advanced treatment options may include:

• Pocket reduction surgery
• Flap surgery
• Gum grafting
• Tissue regeneration
• Bone grafting
• Laser therapy

These procedures focus on reducing infection, restoring healthy tissue, and improving long-term periodontal health.

Bone Grafting and Tissue Regeneration

When periodontal disease causes significant bone loss, bone grafting procedures may help rebuild support around the teeth.

Bone grafting may involve:

• Synthetic bone material
• The patient’s own bone
• Tissue regeneration techniques
• New bone development

These procedures may help improve stability and prepare some patients for restorative work, such as dental implants.

Dental Implants After Tooth Loss

Advanced periodontal disease may eventually lead to tooth loss if supporting structures become severely damaged.

After periodontal health has stabilized, restorative procedures such as dental implants may help:

• Restore chewing function
• Improve stability
• Replace missing teeth
• Support oral health
• Improve smile appearance

Each treatment plan is personalized based on the patient’s oral condition and healing progress.

Home Care Tips for Supporting Gum Health

Good oral hygiene habits play a major role in maintaining results after periodontal disease treatment.

Patients are encouraged to:

• Brush twice daily
• Floss consistently
• Attend regular cleanings
• Avoid tobacco use
• Maintain healthy nutrition habits
• Use recommended oral care products

Consistent home care helps reduce plaque buildup and supports healthier gums over time.

Signs Periodontal Treatment Is Working

Many patients notice improvements shortly after beginning periodontal therapy and improving their oral hygiene habits.

Signs of improvement may include:

• Reduced gum bleeding
• Less inflammation
• Improved breath freshness
• Reduced sensitivity
• Smaller periodontal pockets
• Improved comfort while chewing

Routine follow-up visits help monitor healing and long-term gum health.

Personalized Periodontal Disease Treatment Plans

Every patient experiences periodontal disease differently depending on the stage of infection, oral health history, and overall health concerns.

Dr. Harding develops personalized treatment plans designed to improve:

• Gum health
• Infection control
• Tooth preservation
• Oral function
• Bone support
• Long-term oral health

Our team focuses on providing conservative and comprehensive dental services designed to improve comfort and protect healthy tissue whenever possible.

Schedule a Periodontal Disease Treatment Consultation

If you are experiencing bleeding gums, gum recession, tooth sensitivity, or other symptoms of gum disease, Dentistry of West Bend provides comprehensive periodontal disease treatment designed to restore gum health and improve oral function.

Our office in West Bend, Wisconsin, provides personalized periodontal therapy, professional cleanings, deep cleaning procedures, and advanced treatment options in a comfortable environment. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Harding.

Frequently Asked Questions