Gum Disease & Periodontal Care
Gum Disease & Periodontal Care in McKinney, TX
Healthy gums are the foundation of a healthy mouth. We screen for gum disease at every exam and offer treatment ranging from deep cleaning to ongoing periodontal maintenance.
Stages of gum disease
Gingivitis is the early, reversible stage—inflamed, bleeding gums usually caused by plaque buildup along the gumline. Left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, which involves bone and tissue loss around the teeth and can eventually lead to tooth loss. Catching it early makes treatment simpler and less invasive.
Scaling and root planing
For gum disease beyond the earliest stage, we perform scaling and root planing—a deep cleaning that removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline and smooths the tooth root to help gums reattach. This is typically done in sections, often with local anesthesia for comfort.
Ongoing periodontal maintenance
Once gum disease is under control, we recommend periodontal maintenance visits—more frequent than a standard cleaning—to keep it from returning. We personalize this schedule based on your specific risk factors and how your gums respond to treatment.
Gum disease questions
What is gum disease and how is it treated?
Gum disease ranges from early gingivitis—inflamed, bleeding gums—to advanced periodontitis, which involves bone and tissue loss around teeth. Early-stage gum disease is typically managed with more frequent professional cleanings and improved home care. More advanced cases may require scaling and root planing.
What is scaling and root planing?
It’s a deep-cleaning procedure that removes plaque and tartar buildup below the gumline (scaling) and smooths the tooth root surface (planing) to help your gums reattach and heal. It’s typically more involved than a routine cleaning and may require local anesthesia.
How do I know if I have gum disease?
Common signs include bleeding when you brush or floss, red or swollen gums, persistent bad breath, and gums that appear to be pulling away from your teeth. We screen for gum disease at every routine exam, so regular visits catch it even before you notice symptoms.
Also at Cherish Dental
Notice bleeding or swollen gums?
Book a gum health exam—Accepting New Patients
Early treatment is simpler and less invasive. We’ll assess your gum health and explain your options with no pressure.