Gum Disease Treatment in Albuquerque, NM
Healthy gums are the foundation of a healthy smile. If you're noticing redness, bleeding, or swelling, our Albuquerque team can help you treat gum disease before it progresses further.
How We Diagnose & Treat Gum Disease
During your exam, your dentist checks the depth of the space between your teeth and gums, since deeper pockets can signal gum disease. We'll also look for redness, swelling, and bleeding to determine how advanced things are.
Early gum disease, or gingivitis, often improves with a professional cleaning and better home care. More advanced gum disease, called periodontitis, typically needs a deeper cleaning called scaling and root planing, which removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline where a regular cleaning can't reach.
Signs You May Have Gum Disease
Red or Swollen Gums
Gums that look inflamed or feel tender to the touch.
Bleeding When Brushing
Gums that bleed easily during brushing or flossing.
Persistent Bad Breath
Bad breath that doesn't go away with regular brushing.
Loose or Shifting Teeth
Teeth that feel loose or have started to shift position.
Gingivitis vs. Periodontitis
Gum disease develops in stages, and understanding where you fall can help explain why your treatment plan looks the way it does.
Gingivitisis the earliest stage, marked by red, swollen, or bleeding gums. At this point, the supporting bone and tissue haven't been affected, and gingivitis is generally reversible with a professional cleaning and consistent brushing and flossing at home.
Periodontitis develops when gingivitis is left untreated and begins to affect the bone and tissue supporting your teeth. This stage requires more involved treatment, such as scaling and root planing, and ongoing maintenance to keep it from progressing further.
Protecting Your Gums Going Forward
Once your gum disease is under control, keeping it that way comes down to consistent daily care. Brush twice a day, floss daily, and consider an antimicrobial mouthwash if your dentist recommends one. Patients with a history of gum disease often benefit from cleanings every three to four months instead of the typical twice-a-year schedule.
Regular checkups let us catch any signs of recurrence early, when it's still easiest to treat.
Cost & Insurance Factors
The cost of gum disease treatment depends on how advanced it is and whether a deep cleaning or additional visits are needed. Many dental insurance plans cover a portion of treatment, since managing gum disease is an important part of your overall oral health. Our front desk team can walk you through your coverage and estimated cost before you begin treatment.
Staying on top of your regular cleanings and exams is one of the best ways to catch gum disease early and avoid more involved treatment later.
Why Choose Desert Ridge Dental in Albuquerque
Gum disease can feel discouraging, but it's very manageable with the right care. Our Albuquerque team takes the time to explain what we're seeing and build a treatment plan that fits your needs, without judgment.
Meet the dentists behind your care or reach out to our Albuquerque office if you have questions about your gum health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Don't Ignore Bleeding Gums
Gum disease is easiest to treat in its early stages. Let's take a look and get you on a plan to protect your smile.