Gum Disease Treatment in Oxford

Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, begins as gingivitis — inflammation caused by plaque and tartar sitting along the gumline. At this point the gums may look puffy or red and bleed easily, but the bone holding your teeth in place is still intact. Gingivitis is reversible with professional cleaning and better daily habits at home.

When the infection is left alone, it progresses to periodontitis. Pockets form between the gum and the tooth root, bacteria work their way deeper, and the bone around the tooth begins to break down. Teeth can loosen, shift, or eventually be lost. Signs to watch for include persistent bad breath, gums pulling away from the teeth, tenderness when chewing, or teeth that suddenly seem to fit together differently. Smoking, diabetes, certain medications, and simply having gone a long time between cleanings all raise your risk. Because our office treats patients of all ages, we also watch for early gum inflammation in teenagers and younger adults, not only in older patients.

Treatment starts with an exam and a periodontal evaluation, where we measure the depth of the spaces around each tooth and check for bone loss. That measurement tells us whether a routine cleaning is enough or whether deeper therapy is needed. We also perform an oral cancer screening as part of a thorough look at the soft tissues.

For most patients with early to moderate periodontitis, the next step is scaling and root planing — a deep cleaning that removes tartar and bacterial buildup from the tooth roots below the gumline and smooths those surfaces so the gums can reattach. It is typically done with local anesthetic, often over more than one visit so each side of the mouth can be treated comfortably. For patients who feel anxious, we offer nitrous oxide sedation and oral sedation dentistry. We also use laser dentistry as part of periodontal care in appropriate cases.

When the disease is more advanced, we provide surgical options in-house, including periodontal surgery, gum grafting to rebuild tissue lost to recession, periodontal regeneration to help restore supporting structures, bone grafting, gingivectomy, and crown lengthening. Because we file periodontal treatment as a general practice, patients from Oxford do not need a referral to be seen, and there is no need to travel to a separate specialty office for most of what gum care involves.

Aftercare and Staying Ahead of It

Gum disease is managed, not cured in a single visit. After active treatment, most patients move onto periodontal maintenance — cleanings scheduled more frequently than the standard six months, usually every three to four months, so bacteria never get a chance to rebuild below the gumline. Our hygienists remeasure pocket depths at these visits so we can see whether tissue is responding.

At home, the routine is straightforward: brushing twice daily, cleaning between the teeth every day, and telling us about any new bleeding or sensitivity. If you grind your teeth, a night guard can take pressure off teeth already weakened by bone loss. Patients with implants receive ongoing implant maintenance as part of the same schedule.