Many people wonder, “Can u get rid of gum disease?” This guide provides a clear, realistic answer, including what causes gum disease, how it’s diagnosed, treatment options, and quick steps to prevent it from returning. Read on for straightforward facts to help you decide if your gum health can be restored and what to expect from treatment.
Can U Get Rid Of Gum Disease?
Short answer: sometimes. Early gum disease, called gingivitis, is reversible with professional cleaning and daily home care. Once it progresses to periodontitis — where bone and soft tissue are lost — the disease can be halted and managed, but some damage may be permanent. If you’re asking, can u get rid of gum disease in Bradenton, FL? Expect that treatment can stop progression, reduce pocket depths, and restore gum health, but rebuilding lost bone or tissue may require advanced procedures.
What Causes Gum Disease
Plaque, tartar, and bacteria
Bacteria in dental plaque irritate gums. If plaque hardens into tartar, it sits along the root and causes inflammation. Over time, pockets form between teeth and gums, trapping more bacteria and causing deeper infection.
Common risk factors
Smoking, poorly controlled diabetes, genetics, certain medications, stress, advancing age, and inconsistent oral hygiene all raise your risk. These factors make it more difficult to fight infections and slow down healing.
How Gum Disease Is Diagnosed
Diagnosis uses periodontal probing to measure pocket depths, checks for bleeding on probing, and assesses tooth mobility. Dental X-rays and 3D imaging reveal bone loss, enabling the creation of a personalized treatment plan. Your medical history and risk factors are reviewed to tailor care.
Treatment Options: From Simple To Advanced
Non-surgical care
For mild to moderate disease, scaling and root planing (deep cleanings), improved home care, medicated rinses, and targeted antibiotics can help control the infection and allow the gums to reattach.
Laser and minimally invasive therapies
LANAP and other laser treatments remove infected tissue and bacteria while preserving healthy gum tissue. These approaches can reduce pain, swelling, and downtime compared with traditional surgery.
Surgical and regenerative treatments
When pockets remain deep or bone is lost, pocket reduction, tissue or bone grafting, and the Pinhole® Surgical Technique for recession may be needed to restore form and function. These aim to regenerate tissue and reduce pocket depth.
When tooth loss occurs
If teeth cannot be saved, options include dental implants, implant-supported bridges, or full-arch restorations to restore chewing, appearance, and oral health.
How To Prevent Recurrence
Brush twice daily with a soft brush, floss or use interdental cleaners daily, quit tobacco, and control diabetes. Regular periodontal maintenance visits — typically every 3–4 months for individuals with a history of disease — include professional cleaning, pocket depth checks, and monitoring.
When To See A Periodontist
See a specialist for persistent bleeding, loose teeth, deep pockets, pus, or bad breath that persists despite treatment. Periodontists offer advanced therapies for complex or recurring disease and create long-term plans to protect your smile.
About Eastman Craighead Periodontics
Eastman Craighead Periodontics brings over 40 years of regional experience, led by Dr. Lindsay Eastman, Dr. Justin Craighead, Dr. Christie Craighead, and Dr. Rachael Voigt. The team uses LANAP®, computer-guided implant surgery, Pinhole® technique, advanced grafting, sedation with RN monitoring, and 3D imaging to treat gum disease and restore smiles.
Ready To Learn If You Can Get Rid Of Gum Disease?
If you’re asking, can u get rid of gum disease in Bradenton, FL? Schedule an exam and periodontal evaluation. We have two offices in Bradenton: one in Lakewood Ranch (southeastern Bradenton area) and one in West Bradenton. Call to book an appointment, inquire about flexible financing options, and explore comfortable sedation options for your visit.
