Gum Disease Treatment in San Antonio
Healthy Gums for Healthy Teeth
If you’ve noticed changes in your gum health, Oefinger Dental & Associates provides effective treatment for mild to moderate periodontal disease to restore and protect your smile.
What Causes Gum Disease?
Gum disease, or periodontitis, is typically caused by poor oral hygiene. Plaque can build up on your teeth without a consistent brushing and flossing routine and regular professional cleanings. This sticky film of bacteria can irritate and infect your gums, compromising oral health.
Gum disease often begins as gingivitis, a mild inflammation of the gums. If left untreated, it can advance to severe periodontitis, leading to gum tissue damage, jawbone deterioration, and even tooth loss.
What Are the Symptoms of Gum Disease?
Gum disease can develop silently, but there are signs to watch for, including:
- Swollen, tender, or red gums
- Gums that bleed during brushing or flossing
- Persistent bad breath (halitosis)
- Receding gums or exposed tooth roots
- Pus between gums and teeth
- Toothaches or loose teeth
- Oral sores or discomfort
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with Dr. Oefinger at Oefinger Dental & Associates for a comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment plan.
Treating Gum Disease
At Oefinger Dental & Associates, Dr. Oefinger offers a comprehensive range of treatments to effectively address periodontitis and restore your gum health.
We begin with a thorough periodontal examination at our San Antonio office to determine the extent of the infection and develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Depending on your condition, we may recommend one or more of the following procedures:
- Scaling and root planing: A deep cleaning method to remove plaque and tartar below the gum line
- Gingivectomy: Removes infected gum tissue to halt the progression of the disease
- Root surface debridement: Cleans and smooths tooth roots to promote gum reattachment
- Laser treatment: Minimally invasive therapy to remove diseased tissue and bacteria
- Pocket reduction surgery: Reduces the depth of gum pockets to eliminate bacteria and promote healing
- Ridge preservation: Maintains bone structure following tooth loss
- Regenerative procedures: Stimulates bone and tissue regrowth in damaged areas
- Bone grafting: Rebuilds lost bone to support teeth or prepare for dental implants
We also recommend localized antimicrobial therapy and/or surgical treatments for advanced cases to eliminate deep pockets and help the gums heal securely around your teeth and bone.
At Oefinger Dental & Associates, our goal is to restore your oral health and help you maintain a strong, healthy smile.
Benefits of Gum Disease Treatment
Treating gum disease is essential for your oral health and overall well-being. Here are the key benefits of seeking gum disease treatment at Oefinger Dental & Associates:
Prevents Tooth Loss
Gum disease is one of the primary causes of adult tooth loss. By addressing the infection early, Dr. Oefinger can help protect your natural teeth and avoid the need for extractions.
Keeps Infection
From Progressing
Effective treatment stops harmful bacteria from spreading, preventing further damage to your gums, jawbone, and surrounding tissues. This helps maintain your oral health for the long term.
Supports Overall Health
Gum disease has been linked to systemic health issues like heart disease and diabetes. Treating periodontal disease reduces inflammation and may lower your risk for these serious conditions.
Enhances Your Smile
Treating gum disease can reduce gum recession, swelling, and discomfort, improving the appearance of your smile while boosting your confidence.
Timely gum disease treatment at Oefinger Dental & Associates ensures a healthier, more confident smile and helps prevent future complications.
Restores Gum & Bone Health
Advanced procedures like scaling, root planing, and bone grafting work to restore healthy gum and bone tissue, providing a stable and strong foundation for your teeth.
Preventing Periodontal Disease
At Oefinger Dental & Associates, Dr. Oefinger focuses on the importance of preventive care — including regular dental exams and cleanings — to help you maintain optimal oral health.
These routine visits are the best defense against gum disease and other oral health concerns.
Prevention starts with education. That’s why we work closely with our patients to provide personalized guidance on proper brushing, flossing, and other home care techniques to reduce the risk of periodontal disease.
Regular cleanings and exams allow us to monitor your oral health and catch any early signs of gum issues before they progress.
Despite great oral hygiene, some people may be more prone to gum disease due to factors like genetics, age, or medical conditions.
If we detect any signs of infection, our team will act quickly to treat it, prevent further damage, and help you maintain a healthy smile for the long term.