Yes, your dentist can treat gum disease. This is especially true of early gum disease (gingivitis) and moderate cases with a deep cleaning called scaling and root planing. For more advanced or complex cases, however, there’s a good chance you’ll need to see a periodontist.
What Your General Dentist Can Treat
Gingivitis (the earliest stage of gum disease) often responds to a professional cleaning and better home care, while more established (though not fully “advanced”) gum disease can be treated with scaling and root planing, a deep cleaning procedure that removes plaque, tartar, and bacteria from below the gumline. At Carrollwood Village Dental, Dr. Richard Mancuso offers non-surgical treatment, including laser gum therapy, and ongoing maintenance to keep gum disease from returning.
If you need care beyond scaling and root planing, Dr. Mancuso can recommend a periodontist for you. The best way to know which you need is a periodontal exam.
When You Need a Periodontist
A periodontist is a gum specialist. A referral may be recommended when gum disease is advanced, has caused significant bone loss, or is unresponsive to initial treatment. You may also be referred to a periodontist for procedures such as gum or bone grafting.
Gum Disease Treatment in Tampa, FL
If you’re in Tampa and want to learn more about gentle and effective gum disease treatment, contact Dr. Richard Mancuso and the friendly Carrollwood Village Dental team to schedule a periodontal exam.