Gum health doesn’t always get the attention it deserves; but it’s a big deal. When the gums become inflamed or infected, it’s more than just soreness or bleeding when brushing. Left untreated, gum disease can lead to bone loss, loose teeth, and other long-term problems. Supportive periodontal therapy (SPT) is employed to reduce the probability of re‐infection and progression of the disease; to maintain teeth without pain, excessive mobility or persistent infection in the long term, and to prevent related oral diseases. 1
If your dentist has mentioned periodontal therapy in Albion, you might be wondering what’s involved. Don’t worry, it’s not as scary as it sounds. We’re here to walk you through what to expect, step by step, based on how we treat real patients right here at Albion Family Dental.
First Things First: What Is Periodontal Disease?
Gum disease starts quietly. You might notice a bit of bleeding when flossing, or your gums might feel tender. That’s often an early sign of gingivitis, which is the first stage. If it goes untreated, it can turn into periodontitis, where the infection moves deeper and starts to affect the bone supporting your teeth.
We see it all the time, and the good news is, it can be managed with the right care. That’s where periodontal therapy comes in.
What We Do During a Deep Cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing)
If you’ve been told you need a “deep cleaning,” that usually means scaling and root planing. It sounds intense, but here’s what really happens:
- Scaling is when we carefully remove hardened plaque (tartar) from above and below the gumline.
- Root planing smooths the root surfaces to help the gums reattach and heal properly.
We may do this over one or more visits depending on how much buildup there is and how your gums respond. Most patients do just fine with local numbing, and we take our time so you’re comfortable throughout.
If you’re searching for a dentist near me who offers thorough cleanings without the stress, we’ve got you.
Why This Matters for Your Long-Term Health
Treating gum disease early protects more than just your teeth. Research continues to show that poor gum health is linked to other issues like heart disease and diabetes. That’s why we treat gum therapy seriously; but we also keep it approachable.
Once the infection is under control, we’ll help you maintain progress with regular cleanings and at-home care. Our goal is to help you keep your natural teeth for as long as possible; ideally for life.
Aftercare and Ongoing Maintenance
After scaling and root planing, your gums might feel a little tender for a few days. That’s normal. We’ll give you tips to manage sensitivity and keep things clean while your mouth heals.
We might also recommend:
- More frequent cleanings (every 3–4 months) instead of the usual 6-month schedule
- Antibacterial rinses or prescription toothpaste
- A refresher on brushing and flossing: yes, technique makes a difference
We usually suggest brushing for 2–4 minutes twice a day and flossing at least once daily. If you’ve got a tricky spot that’s hard to clean, we’ll show you the best way to reach it.
What If You Need More Than a Deep Cleaning?
In some cases, deep cleanings alone aren’t enough; especially if the bone has started to break down. If we think you’d benefit from a referral to a periodontist (a gum specialist), we’ll walk you through that next step.
Albion Family Dental is a general dentistry office, so while we manage most mild to moderate gum cases in-house, we work with trusted specialists when advanced treatment is needed.
We also help monitor your progress long-term, so whether you’re seeing us or a specialist, we stay in the loop to support your care.
A Healthier Smile Starts Below the Surface
Periodontal therapy doesn’t just clean your teeth; it helps reset the foundation. Your gums are what hold everything in place, so keeping them healthy is key to a strong, lasting smile.
Whether it’s your first time hearing about gum disease or you’re managing a chronic case, we’re here to help. From fillings in Albion to tooth whitening, crowns, and cleanings, we do it all, including the not-so-glamorous stuff like scaling and root planing.
Let’s Take Care of Those Gums Together
If you’ve noticed bleeding when brushing or you’ve been told you need periodontal therapy, don’t put it off. The earlier we treat it, the easier it is to manage.
📞 Call Albion Family Dental at 585-589-9044 or schedule online to get started with a general dentist in Albion who’s got your long-term gum health in mind.
We’re here to make things clear, comfortable, and manageable; one visit at a time.
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