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Periodontal disease, or gum disease, can cause inflamed, bleeding, and painful gums. Gum disease is a dangerous dental condition that can damage your oral tissues. A patient diagnosed with gum disease needs treatment, and the treatment itself usually takes several stages to complete.
It is very common for patients with gum disease to be concerned about the prospect of pain. If you have the signs and symptoms of gum disease, you may be wondering about what lies ahead of you and what treatment is going to be like.
Does gum disease treatment hurt? Let’s find out.
Deep Cleaning
The first stage of gum disease treatment is a deep cleaning to stop the progression of the disease. During a deep cleaning, the dentist performs scaling and root planning. Sessions may be spaced weeks apart, depending on the patient’s comfort level. With every visit, the dentist uses a special vibrating tool to remove tartar, which are hardened plaque deposits that form above and below the gum line. Tartar that has collected in gum pockets is removed using a curette to scrape it out and smooth teeth roots.
Dental Surgery
For advanced gum disease, the dentist may need to perform surgery to expose the roots by lifting back the gums, or graft soft tissue or bone if soft tissues or bone surrounding the roots are damaged.
IV Sedation
To ensure patients do not feel pain during a deep cleaning or dental surgery, dentists can use IV sedation. IV sedation makes gum disease treatment very relaxing and comfortable. In many cases, patients fall asleep. You and the dentist can talk about your preference for the level of sedation you want to achieve. With IV sedation, dentists can perform extensive treatments in a single visit.
Why You Shouldn’t Delay Treatment For Gum Disease
Gum disease itself will only become more painful as it advances. Fear of going to the dentist may be holding you back from getting the treatment you need. However, you need not fear, since advances in pain management have given patients options to block pain and make the experience relaxing. After treatment, dentists prescribe pain medication for a more comfortable recovery. Gum disease, if possible, should be treated in its early stages for better outcomes.
Once gum disease is addressed, your overall health also improves. Risks associated with gum disease include diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. If pain is a concern, talk to your dentist about your options for pain management. Don’t let fear turn you away from treating gum disease. Most patients who report feeling fearful before gum disease treatment say it was much better than they imagined.
Gum Disease Treatment in Eugene, OR
Dr. Ari Binder at 360 Dental is highly experienced in treating patients with gum disease. If you are right for IV sedation, Dr. Binder can use it to make gum disease treatment a comfortable, stress-free experience for you. With IV sedation, Dr. Binder can get a lot of dental work in one visit.
To find out if IV sedation is right for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Binder. Call our dental clinic in Eugene today at (541) 689-1645 or use our convenient appointment request form. We look forward to getting you the treatment you need for gum disease.
