Gum Disease Treatment

Get your oral health back on track.

Comprehensive Gum Treatment Solutions

It’s not too late to get your oral health back on track following the discovery of gum disease. Our expert team of dentists (and hygienists) can help fix your current situation and provide ongoing support to ensure it won’t happen again.

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What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is an infection of the gum tissues that keep our teeth secure. Oftentimes, the disease results from poor oral hygiene over the years such as a lack of brushing and flossing the teeth. Poor hygiene then leads to a buildup of plaque bacteria around the gums and can slowly lead to oral decay.

What Is Gingivitis?

There’s often some confusion over the difference between gingivitis and gum disease. Gingivitis and gum disease are the same condition in different stages. Gingivitis occurs first and then, if left untreated, progresses into gum disease.

What Are the Symptoms of Gingivitis?

It’s important to look for the signs of gingivitis to prevent gum disease from developing. The sooner the condition is discovered, the sooner you can begin to treat the symptoms and change your oral health habits.

The symptoms of gingivitis can include:

Swollen gums
Puffy gums
Tender gums
Gums that are bright or dark red
Gums that bleed easily while brushing or flossing
Bad breath

What to look out for

What Are the Symptoms of Gum Disease?

Gum disease can be different severities and have different symptoms based on your specific situation. Look out for these issues to see if you should consult a dentist about gum disease.

Swollen or Tender Gums

If your gums feel swollen or tender to the touch, this could be a sign of gum disease. Healthy gums normally are unnoticeable throughout daily life, and it shouldn’t feel tender or painful to eat, drink, talk, or do any other daily activities.

Bleeding While Brushing/Flossing

Bleeding while brushing or flossing is usually a key indicator that someone may have gum disease. However, bleeding of the gums can still occur without gum disease, and it could simply be a sign of light inflammation or gingivitis. Either way, it acts as a warning sign that the teeth and gums are not being cleaned properly.

Receding Gums

When the gums start to pull away from the teeth and expose the roots of the tooth cavity, this is called receding gums. Having receding gums is an important symptom to check for if you suspect gum disease is the culprit of your inflammation.

Loose or Separating Teeth

Loose teeth are normal for children growing their adult teeth, however, it is not healthy for adults to have loose teeth. Loose or separating teeth signify an underlying issue such as gum disease.

Sores in Your Mouth

Sores in the mouth can be an indicator that bacteria growth is not under control. However, keep in mind that sores in the mouth may indicate another virus or a simple canker sore. Always have a professional check the sore to help guide the next steps.

Consistent Bad Breath

Bad breath can happen to anyone every now and then, but if you consistently find yourself with bad breath or a metallic taste in your mouth, it’s not a good sign. Bad breath can be a common symptom of gum or periodontal disease.

What Causes Gum Disease?

The buildup of plaque from poor oral hygiene practices can lead to gum disease. While gum disease is reversible, it could become a permanent problem for your oral health if not treated right away.
It’s not too late to get your oral health back on track following the discovery of gum disease. Our expert team of dentists (and hygienists) can help fix your current situation and provide ongoing support to ensure it won’t happen again.

Book Appointment

How We Treat Gum Disease

Our expert dentists and hygienists will be able to help your specific situation with the following series of steps.

STEP 1:

Initial Assessment

Our doctors and hygienists will assess your situation and decide which treatment is right for you.

STEP 2:

Cleaning & Treatment

Based on your assessment, we’ll conduct your treatment at another appointment. This typically includes a deep cleaning.

STEP 3:

Second Assessment

A few weeks following your treatment, we’ll reasess your situation to ensure the treatment turned out as well as we originally hoped.

STEP 4:

Rountine Checkups

Depending on your specific situation, we may ask you to come in every 3-4 months instead of the traditional 6 month routines.

What Are Other Gum Disease Treatments?

You can take many different actions to address gum disease. These are the most common treatments.

Root Planting and Scaling

Scaling and root planting is another way of describing a deep dental cleaning. It’s a non-invasive treatment option for gum disease that clears the buildup of plaque and tartar from the teeth and gums.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics could be a take-home option your dentist recommends. Antibiotics can stop the bacteria from spreading in the gums and reduce inflammation, leaving room for the mouth to heal.

Bone or Gum Grafting

Bone and gum grafting is when a tool is placed around an existing tooth for added support around the gums. This may not necessarily treat the root cause of gum disease, but it can provide relief for those suffering from severe tooth loosening or inflammation.

Laser Periodontal Therapy

In laser therapy for periodontal or gum disease, a tiny laser is moved around the gums to kill unhealthy bacteria. This treatment option is a less invasive procedure compared to surgery.

Pocket Reduction Surgery

Pocket reduction surgery (or flap surgery) is a procedure that involves a dentist making incisions along the gum line to clean the root surfaces before re-positioning them in the mouth. Surgery is typically only provided in severe cases after other treatment options have been exhausted.

Routine Dental Cleaning

A routine dental cleaning can act as a preventative treatment for gum disease. Having the teeth cleaned thoroughly to remove the buildup of plaque over time can gradually reduce the risk of disease progression.

What Should I Do if I Have Gum Disease?

While some cases of gum disease can be fixed by changing some at-home behaviors, sometimes you may need to seek professional help.

Consult With a Dentist

When in doubt, always visit a dentist for a professional diagnosis. A dentist can provide you with individual support and create a treatment plan that best works for your unique case.

While your minor gum bleeding may not seem like an emergency, having regular dental appointments and cleanings will avoid the progression of gum disease or another serious illness.

Need a cleaning or check-up?

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(904) 269-6558

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Real Reviews

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Tammy Shannon

"I came to see Dr. Standish on the recommendation of my grandmother and mother. Dr. Standish also made me feel welcome and answered all my questions. Eagle Harbor Dental is truly our family's dental choice for all dental needs. P.S. They have the MOST comfortable dental chairs I have ever sat in!"

Susan Zittle

"From the Front Desk to the Dental Assistants - Eagle Harbor Dental is the epitome of what and how a dentist should be. The trust we feel for the staff and Dentist at this office are UNBELIEVABLE! We just wanted to THANK them in writing so our whole world knows JUST HOW GREAT THEY ARE!!"

Garry McGrath

"Been going to see Dr. Standish for many years. My teeth were a mess when I first started and now I have no issues. I'm 67 years old, I have all my own teeth, and I'm good to go for a long time. Never thought it would be that way. Along with the great dental care comes the great people that work there."

Stephanie Saffles

"What makes Eagle Harbor Dental amazing is the people who are awesome at what they do. The staff that work there actually make me look forward to going to the dentist. I moved to a different county, but still make the drive."

Teraesa Holloway

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Patricia Harrison

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Bon Schuler

"The dentist used to be my least favorite place to go. I have been so blessed to find Dr. Standish & Dr. Kelly. They are phenomenal. I recommend them to anyone looking for a competent, professional, gentle and caring dentist! You will not be disappointed when you go there."

Jennifer White

"Eagle harbor Dental is such so amazing, I have been going there for a while now and I have had alit if Work done recently. Everyone is so friendly and my dental hygienist which I see every time I go is amazing! She always makes me feel so comfortable. Thank you for being so great! "

Jim Billberry

"Dr. Standish is a remarkable Dentist and he has an incredible staff. He has a wonderful personality and his staff follow his example. His office is very high tech, but he likes to refer to himself as "an old school Dentist"."

Kirk Jaudes

"I am happy to have found Eagle Harbor Dental, and their great team. My first visit was to outline options for some dental work and they were very thorough in talking through options and next steps."

Debbie Cusick

"I had Dr. Standish recommended to me and I was immediately pleased with the recommendation, and the service received. Nice staff, lovely premises. treatments suggestions gone over thoroughly but nothing *pushed* on you. I definitely plan to continue coming here."

Herb webber

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Sharon Pieper

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Our Doctors

Meet our Family of Dentists

Dr. Standish has been serving Clay County patients at Eagle Harbor Dental for over 40 years. His daughters Dr. Kelly & Dr. Erin joined the practice and they’ve been creating beautiful smiles as a family ever since. With extensive educations and memberships, our dentists are the best that Fleming Island has to offer.

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