Gum Disease Treatment in Atkins, AR
When you think of gum disease, you might picture a little redness or bleeding when you brush—but did you know it’s far more than that? It’s not just about sore gums or bad breath. Gum disease is a progressive condition that can silently erode the foundation of your teeth. It affects your smile and your overall health. In fact, more than 42% of U.S. adults over 30 have some form of gum disease, and nearly 8% suffer from severe periodontal disease, which can lead to tooth loss if left untreated.
Because gum disease evolves in stages, treatment isn’t one-size-fits-all—early intervention can stop minor issues from becoming serious problems, but even advanced cases can be managed effectively. At Atkins Dental Clinic, we’re equipped to diagnose and target gum disease at any phase, helping you regain control of your oral health before it’s too late.
Stages of Gum Disease
Gum disease doesn’t happen overnight—it progresses due to a combination of factors, each contributing to increasing damage over time. Bacterial buildup from plaque and tartar triggers inflammation, while the body’s immune response can inadvertently harm gum tissue and bone. Lifestyle choices like poor oral hygiene, smoking, and stress accelerate the process, and some individuals face a genetic predisposition that makes them more vulnerable. Even systemic health conditions, such as diabetes, can weaken the body’s ability to fight infection, allowing gum disease to advance more quickly. What starts as mild irritation can escalate into a serious threat to the stability of your teeth.
Stage 1: Gingivitis
Gum disease begins with gingivitis, a mild but crucial early stage. Plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, builds up along the gumline. The gums respond with redness, swelling, and tenderness. Bleeding may occur during brushing or flossing, and bad breath can become more noticeable. Fortunately, the damage is reversible at this stage—with good oral hygiene and professional cleanings, gums can heal completely.
Stage 2: Periodontitis
If gingivitis goes untreated, the infection spreads deeper into the gums and supporting structures, leading to periodontitis. Pockets form between the gums and teeth, trapping plaque and bacteria beneath the surface. Over time, gum recession, persistent bad breath, and bone loss develop. Teeth may start to feel loose or shift out of place, and eating can become painful, especially with hot or cold foods. Without intervention, the damage worsens, putting teeth at serious risk.
Stage 3: Advanced Periodontitis
In its final stage, advanced periodontitis leads to severe bone loss and deep periodontal pockets. Teeth may loosen significantly or fall out entirely. Pus can form around the gums, and abscesses may develop, causing further complications. Chewing becomes painful, and significant dental work—such as gum surgery or tooth replacement—may be necessary to restore oral health.
Gums Disease Treatment: What Happens and When?
If you have gingivitis, we focus on stopping the infection before it causes lasting harm. A professional cleaning removes built-up plaque and tartar, and we’ll show you how to improve your daily brushing and flossing routine. Using an antibacterial mouthwash can also help keep bacteria in check. At this stage, your gums can fully heal with the right care.
Once periodontitis develops, bacteria move deeper below the gum line, making a standard cleaning ineffective. To prevent reinfection, we use scaling and root planing, remove bacteria from beneath the gums, and smooth the tooth roots. We may also recommend antibiotic therapy or laser treatment like LANAP to reduce swelling and promote healing. If the infection has caused significant damage, surgical options—such as pocket reduction surgery or bone and soft tissue grafts—may be necessary to restore lost support around your teeth.
For advanced periodontitis, our goal is to save your teeth whenever possible. If the damage is severe, we may need to perform surgery to rebuild lost bone and gum tissue. In cases where teeth can’t be saved, extractions may be the best option. If you lose multiple teeth, we can restore your smile with mini dental implants as part of a full-mouth reconstruction. No matter what stage you’re in, regular checkups and good oral hygiene are essential for keeping gum disease under control.
How We Use Laser Therapy To Treat Periodontal Disease
Laser periodontal treatment, also known as LANAP (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure), offers a precise, minimally invasive solution for treating gum disease beyond gingivitis. LANAP offers a minimally invasive alternative to gum surgery, using laser technology to remove infected tissue while safeguarding healthy gums. This advanced approach is particularly effective for periodontitis and advanced periodontal disease, helping to control infection and promote healing.
We insert a thin laser fiber between the tooth and gum during the procedure to target and destroy harmful bacteria. The laser selectively removes diseased tissue while leaving healthy tissue intact. Afterward, we use ultrasonic scalers and special instruments to remove tartar from the root surfaces, allowing the gums to heal and reattach to the teeth.
LANAP offers several key advantages over traditional surgery. Since it doesn’t involve cutting or suturing in most cases, patients experience less discomfort during and after the procedure. Recovery is faster and smoother, with a lower risk of complications. The laser also stimulates bone and tissue regeneration, strengthening the structures that support your teeth. By reducing inflammation and pocket depth, LANAP treats gum disease and helps prevent further progression.
Protect Your Smile With Gum Disease Treatment
Gum disease won’t go away on its own—but the right treatment can stop it from worsening. Whether you’re dealing with early gingivitis or advanced periodontitis, Atkins Dental Clinic is here to help. With professional cleanings, deep scaling, and advanced laser therapy, we can restore your gum health and protect your smile. Don’t ignore the signs. Contact us to schedule your consultation today and take control of your oral health before it’s too late.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, children can develop gum disease. While severe periodontal disease is rare in kids, they are still at risk for gingivitis, the earliest and most common form of gum disease. If your child has red, swollen gums, bleeding during brushing or flossing, or persistent bad breath, these could be signs of early gum disease. Without proper care, gingivitis can progress, leading to more serious oral health issues.
Preventing gum disease starts with good oral hygiene habits. Before your baby’s first tooth appears, gently clean their gums with a soft cloth. Once teeth begin to emerge, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to clean them twice daily. Teaching proper brushing and flossing techniques early on helps keep the gums healthy and prevents plaque buildup.
Regular dental checkups are just as important. We recommend bringing your child in for their first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth erupting. Routine visits with Dr. Bratton at our office allow us to monitor their gum health, provide professional cleanings, and address any concerns before they become serious.
Yes, pregnant women are at a higher risk of developing gum disease, primarily due to hormonal changes that increase inflammation in the gums. In fact, 60% to 75% of pregnant women experience gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease. Symptoms often include red, swollen, and bleeding gums, especially during the second trimester.
Regular dental visits during pregnancy are safe and highly recommended. At our office, Dr. Bratton can help manage gum health with professional cleanings and personalized oral care guidance. Brushing twice daily, flossing regularly, and scheduling routine check-ups can help prevent gum disease and reduce health risks.
With the right treatment and ongoing care, many people can keep their teeth for a lifetime despite having gum disease. Early detection and proper management are key—when gum disease is caught in its early stages, we can slow or even stop its progression, protecting your teeth and gums from further damage.
While gingivitis is reversible, more advanced periodontal disease cannot be cured. However, with regular dental check-ups, professional cleanings, and diligent home care, it can be effectively managed to prevent tooth loss. Daily brushing, flossing, and routine visits to our office for cleanings and periodontal maintenance help preserve your teeth and maintain your oral health.