2520 W Hermosa Dr, Artesia, NM 88210
Protecting the Foundation of Your Smile
Healthy gums are the foundation of a healthy smile, yet gum disease often develops quietly, without obvious pain or symptoms, until it has already progressed. At Smile Xpressions Family Dentistry, we offer periodontal therapy to help patients throughout Artesia treat existing gum disease and protect their smile from further damage.
Left untreated, gum disease can lead to bone loss, loose teeth and even tooth loss over time. Our team focuses on catching these issues early and providing effective, comfortable treatment that restores your gum health and helps prevent future problems.
Schedule a Periodontal Evaluation
What Is Periodontal Therapy?
Periodontal therapy refers to the treatments used to manage and treat gum disease, also known as periodontal disease. It ranges from deep cleanings that remove bacteria below the gumline to more advanced care for patients with moderate to severe gum disease.
At Smile Xpressions, periodontal therapy may include:
- Scaling and Root Planing, a deep cleaning that removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline and smooths tooth roots to help gums reattach
- Periodontal Maintenance Visits, ongoing cleanings scheduled more frequently than a standard cleaning to help manage gum disease long-term
- Gum Disease Monitoring, tracking pocket depths and gum health at each visit to catch any progression early
Signs You May Need Periodontal Therapy
Gum disease can be easy to miss in its early stages, but a few common signs are worth paying attention to:
- Gums that bleed easily during brushing or flossing
- Red, swollen or tender gums
- Persistent bad breath that does not improve with brushing
- Gums that appear to be pulling away from the teeth
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Changes in the way your teeth fit together when biting down
If you are noticing any of these symptoms, it is important to schedule an evaluation, since gum disease becomes more difficult to manage the longer it goes untreated.
Your Periodontal Therapy Treatment Process
Understanding what periodontal therapy involves can help ease any concerns before your visit. Here is what to expect at our Artesia office.
Periodontal Evaluation
Our dentist will measure the depth of the pockets between your teeth and gums to determine the severity of any gum disease present.
1
Scaling and Root Planing
If deep cleaning is needed, our team will carefully remove plaque and tartar from below the gumline and smooth the tooth roots to promote healing.
2
Local Anesthesia, if Needed
To keep you comfortable, we may use a local anesthetic during deep cleaning procedures, particularly if you have sensitive gums.
3
Follow-Up Evaluation
After treatment, we will monitor your gum health at a follow-up visit to check healing progress and pocket depths.
4
Ongoing Periodontal Maintenance
Many patients benefit from more frequent cleanings, often every three to four months, to help keep gum disease under control long-term.
5
Benefits of Treating Gum Disease Early
- Prevents Tooth and Bone Loss
Treating gum disease early helps protect the bone and tissue that support your teeth, reducing the risk of tooth loss. - Improves Overall Health
Gum disease has been linked to broader health concerns, including heart disease and diabetes, making periodontal treatment beneficial beyond your smile. - Reduces Bad Breath
Treating the bacteria that cause gum disease often improves persistent bad breath that regular brushing alone cannot fix. - Protects Your Investment in Your Smile
Addressing gum disease early helps protect existing dental work, like crowns or bridges, by keeping the surrounding gum and bone healthy.
Who Needs Periodontal Therapy?
Periodontal therapy is recommended for patients who show signs of gingivitis or periodontitis during a dental exam, including bleeding gums, gum recession or increased pocket depths between the teeth and gums. Patients with a family history of gum disease, smokers and those with certain health conditions like diabetes may also be at higher risk and benefit from closer monitoring.
Our dentist will evaluate your gum health at every visit and recommend periodontal therapy if signs of gum disease are present.
Committed to Your Long-Term Gum Health
Gum disease is a manageable condition when caught and treated early, and our team at Smile Xpressions is committed to helping you protect your gums for the long run. With consistent care and regular monitoring, most patients are able to keep periodontal disease under control and maintain a healthy, comfortable smile.
Request a Periodontal Consultation