Gum disease can steal your comfort, your confidence, and your teeth. You may notice blood on your toothbrush. You may smell a sour taste that will not fade. You may feel your gums pull away from your teeth. These changes are not small. They are a warning. The good news is that gum disease responds to the right care. A periodontist in Albuquerque, NM can use clear, proven treatments to stop the damage and protect your mouth. This blog explains four common options. You will see what each treatment does, when you might need it, and what you can expect during and after care. You will also learn simple steps that help treatment work better. With the right plan, you can control infection, ease pain, and keep more of your natural teeth. You do not have to accept bleeding gums as your new normal.
Why gum disease needs fast treatment
Gum disease starts with plaque. Plaque is a sticky film of germs on your teeth. If you do not clean it away, it hardens into tartar. Then your gums swell and bleed. Over time, the infection eats the bone that holds your teeth in place. Teeth loosen. Some fall out.
You cannot remove tartar with brushing at home. You need care from a dentist or periodontist. Early treatment can stop the infection and save bone. Late treatment can still help. It just may need more steps.
For clear facts on gum disease, you can read the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research page.
1. Scaling and root planing
Scaling and root planing is deep cleaning for your gums. It is often the first treatment for gum disease. You may hear it called SRP. It is not surgery. It is more focused than a regular cleaning.
During scaling, the dental team removes plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline. During root planing, they smooth the root surfaces. Smooth roots make it harder for germs to stick. Then your gums can reattach more tightly.
What to expect:
- You receive numbing in the gums.
- The visit may take one or more appointments.
- Your gums may feel sore and may bleed a little for a short time.
Scaling and root planing works best when you also brush two times a day, clean between teeth, and keep regular checkups.
2. Antibiotic therapy
Sometimes deep cleaning is not enough on its own. Germs can hide deep in pockets around your teeth. In that case, your dentist may add antibiotics to kill more germs.
Antibiotic options can include:
- Gel or chips placed in gum pockets after cleaning
- Mouth rinses that you use for a short time at home
- Pills that you swallow for a set number of days
The goal is simple. Shrink the pockets and lower the number of germs. That helps your gums heal and can delay or prevent surgery. You still need good daily care. Antibiotics do not replace brushing and flossing. They support them.
3. Gum surgery (flap surgery)
When gum pockets stay deep after cleaning and medicine, your dentist may suggest gum surgery. One common type is flap surgery. The name sounds harsh. The goal is to give the dentist clear access to the roots and bone.
During flap surgery:
- You receive numbing or stronger anesthesia.
- The dentist lifts the gums to see the roots and bone.
- They remove tartar and infected tissue.
- They may smooth the bone so the gums fit more tightly.
- They place stitches to hold the gums in a better position.
After surgery, you may notice your teeth look longer. That is because the gums sit closer to the bone. The change can feel strange. It also makes it easier to clean.
The American Dental Association explains gum disease care. You can use that resource to prepare for your visit.
4. Bone and tissue grafts
Severe gum disease can destroy bone and gum tissue. When that happens, your dentist may suggest grafts. Grafts do not just repair damage. They help rebuild support around your teeth.
Types of grafts include:
- Bone grafts. Add bone or bone-like material to fill holes in the jaw.
- Guided tissue regeneration. Place a small barrier that helps bone grow back where it was lost.
- Gum grafts. Move gum tissue from one part of your mouth to cover exposed roots.
These treatments can reduce sensitivity, cover roots, and help keep teeth stable. Healing takes time. You will need follow-up visits and careful home care.
Quick comparison of common gum disease treatments
| Treatment | Main goal | When it is used | Office visits needed | Recovery time
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scaling and root planing | Remove plaque and tartar under gums | Mild to moderate gum disease | 1 to 4 visits | Few days of mild soreness |
| Antibiotic therapy | Reduce germs and shrink pockets | With or after deep cleaning | Often 1 visit plus home use | Little to no down time |
| Gum surgery | Clean deep pockets and reshape bone | Moderate to severe disease | Usually 1 to 2 visits for a mouth section | 1 to 2 weeks of healing |
| Bone or gum grafts | Regain lost support and cover roots | Severe bone loss or gum loss | 1 or more visits plus checkups | Several weeks of healing |
How to help treatment work
You play a strong role in your recovery. Treatment in the office can only do so much. Your daily habits decide how long results last.
Focus on three steps:
- Brush two times a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Clean between teeth every day with floss or other tools your dentist suggests.
- Do not smoke or vape. Tobacco weakens your gums and slows healing.
Also keep regular visits with your dentist or periodontist. They can spot early changes and clean spots you miss at h,ome.
When to seek help
Do not wait for pain. Gum disease often grows in silence. Call your dentist if you notice:
- Bleeding when you brush or floss
- Red or puffy gums
- Bad breath that will not go away
- Gums pulling away from teeth
- Loose teeth or changes in your bite
Prompt care can protect your smile, your speech, and your ability to eat. Calm action today can prevent a larger loss later.
Also Read-How Family Dentistry Balances Oral Health With Aesthetic Goals
