There are several ways to treat gum disease, and what we recommend will be based on how far the condition has progressed. To start, we typically recommend that our patients have a standard teeth cleaning. If you are only at the beginning stages of the condition, that is likely all you will need to return your gums to good health. However, if the condition has progressed further, you may need a dentist to provide you with the following:

• Periodontal infection therapy. This is a therapy where chemicals are used to slow the growth of gum disease. In this case, your dentist may prescribe the use of an antiseptic mouth rinse, designed to reduce or fight gum disease. Used daily, it can work to kill bacteria.
• Deep cleaning. A deep cleaning is typically conducted in four appointments. Your mouth is broken up into quadrants, with each area being cleaned on a different day. In a deep cleaning, the gums need to be pulled away from the teeth so a dentist can scrape off the plaque and tartar underneath the gum tissue. Naturally, this procedure can cause discomfort, which is why it is completed over multiple visits. However, some dentists use lasers, which can expedite the process.
• Gum grafts. If your gums have receded and too much of your teeth or roots are showing, a gum graft may be necessary to restore the gum tissue back around the teeth. This can be done by suturing tissue from the roof of your mouth to your gums or using tissue from a donor. In both cases, the gums will be secured back around your teeth, like they were prior to you developing gum disease.
• Antibiotics. Very often, your Lafayette dentist will prescribe antibiotics to be taken in combination with gum therapy. This is done to eliminate any infection that could be lingering.