Gum Disease Treatment

Overcome Gum Disease with Specialized Periodontal Services

Treatment for Every Stage of Gum Disease

If you suspect you have gum disease or you have been diagnosed already, you are aware of the common symptoms, including tender gums that seem to be pulling away from your teeth and bleed when you brush and floss. These are the first signs of gingivitis, the beginning stage of gum disease, which will continue to progress and cause irreversible damage to the teeth, gums, and bone if not properly treated. Thankfully, our periodontists, Dr. John Darby and Dr. Timothy Johnson, specialize in treatments for gum disease in Ocala and Crystal River, FL, and have over 60 years of combined experience treating patients with personalized and comprehensive solutions. As the experts in gum disease treatment, we can help you overcome your periodontal disease and return to a life of comfort and function.

When to See a Periodontist

  • Red, tender gums
  • Bleeding gums
  • Gum recession
  • Chronic bad breath
  • Loose or shifting teeth

Comprehensive Gum Disease Treatment

01

Scaling and root planing

Scaling and root planing is the first line of defense against gum disease. This “deep cleaning” removes plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline, then smooths the tooth surfaces (and sometimes bone) to help healthy gum tissue reattach and to help keep bacteria from colonizing.

02

Antibiotic treatment

Antibiotic treatment, completed along with scaling and root planing or osseous surgery, involves applying a topical gel into the pockets around the teeth to keep bacteria from returning. Antibiotic treatment can also be oral medication.

03

Pocket irrigation

Often completed in conjunction with other gum disease treatments, pocket irrigation involves applying an antimicrobial agent in the pockets around the teeth to remove bacteria.

04

Gingivectomy

A gingivectomy removes the diseased gum tissue that has pulled away from the teeth, causing deep pockets to form. The remaining gum tissue is then repositioned back around the tooth roots to reduce the pocket depths and keep plaque, tartar, and bacteria from accumulating.

05

Osseous surgery

Osseous surgery involves flapping the gum tissue back to clear the teeth of plaque and tartar buildup. Then diseased gum tissue and bone are removed, and the bone is smoothed. The gum tissue is sutured back in place to reduce pocket depth.

06

Periodontal maintenance

After gum disease treatment, periodontal maintenance completed every 3-4 months keeps the gum tissue healthy and plaque and tartar buildup under control. Routine cleanings help ensure gum disease does not return in the future.

See the specialists for expert gum care!

gum disease treatment patient smiling