Gum disease is one of the most common oral health problems, affecting nearly half of adults over the age of 30. While it often begins with mild symptoms like bleeding gums during brushing or flossing, untreated gum disease can progress to more serious stages, potentially leading to tooth loss and even systemic health problems. If you’ve noticed signs of gum disease, you may be wondering: can your dentist cure it? The answer depends on the stage of the disease and how early it’s caught.

Understanding Gum Disease

Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, develops in stages. The earliest form is gingivitis, which causes red, swollen, or bleeding gums. At this stage, the damage is typically managed with proper professional care and good oral hygiene.

If gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, a more advanced stage where bacteria cause the gums to pull away from the teeth. This creates pockets that trap plaque and tartar, leading to bone and tissue loss. While periodontitis can’t always be completely reversed, it can be managed and controlled with the help of your dentist or periodontist.

How Dentists Treat Gum Disease

Professional Cleaning for Gingivitis

If your gum disease is still in the early stage of gingivitis, your dentist can often cure it with a professional cleaning. During the cleaning, plaque and tartar are removed from above and below the gumline. Combined with improved brushing and flossing at home, this can restore your gums to health.

Scaling and Root Planing

For mild to moderate periodontitis, your dentist may recommend scaling and root planing, also known as a “deep cleaning.” This procedure removes tartar buildup from deep pockets around the teeth and smooths the root surfaces to help the gums reattach. With proper follow-up care, scaling and root planing can stop gum disease from progressing.

Periodontal Maintenance

Once gum disease has advanced, it requires ongoing care rather than a one-time cure. Your dentist or periodontist will likely recommend periodontal maintenance appointments every three to four months. These visits help keep bacteria under control and prevent further damage to the gums and bone.

Advanced Treatments and Surgery

In severe cases, surgical treatments such as flap surgery, gum grafts, or bone grafting may be necessary. These procedures aim to reduce deep pockets, restore gum tissue, and rebuild bone support around the teeth. While they may not completely “cure” gum disease, they can significantly improve oral health and preserve your natural teeth.

The Role of At-Home Care

Even with professional treatment, your daily habits are key to controlling gum disease. Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and using an antimicrobial mouthwash can make a big difference. Quitting smoking and maintaining a balanced diet also reduce your risk of worsening gum disease.

So, can your dentist cure gum disease? The answer depends on when you seek care. Gingivitis, the earliest stage, can usually be managed with professional cleanings and good oral hygiene. More advanced gum disease (periodontitis) cannot always be completely reversed, but it can be successfully managed with the right dental treatments and consistent at-home care. The earlier you visit your dentist, the better your chances of keeping your gums and your smile healthy for life.

About the Practice

Here at Dental Wellness of Lexington, we believe in keeping your smile’s foundation safe. That’s why we offer gum disease treatment. Our thorough screenings catch infection at its earliest stage, and our deep cleanings are performed by an expert hygiene team. You’ll enjoy our state-of-the-art facility equipped with the latest technology for the very best care possible. If you need compassionate, expert care for your gums, schedule an appointment with us online or call (859) 223-4644.