Periodontal Care

At Dr. Reagan Smith’s practice, we focus on identifying signs of gum disease, controlling its progression, and helping you maintain your natural teeth. We provide clear explanations, personalized treatment recommendations, and ongoing care based on your needs.

What to Expect During Periodontal Care

Your visit begins with a review of your medical and dental history, followed by a thorough examination of your gums. We use digital X-rays and an intraoral scanner to create accurate records and evaluate your oral health.

During the exam, we may:

• Measure the depth of the pockets around your teeth
• Check for gum recession
• Evaluate whether any teeth have become mobile
• Look for signs of inflammation or bone loss

For mild gum inflammation, professional cleaning and improved home care may be recommended. If deeper pockets or more advanced gum disease are present, we may discuss scaling and root planing, often called a deep cleaning.

Some patients may also benefit from periodontal maintenance visits every three months, depending on their gum health and response to treatment.

Why Early Gum Disease Treatment Matters

Early periodontal treatment can help control infection and limit additional damage to the gums and bone that support your teeth.

As gum disease progresses, pockets around the teeth can deepen, allowing more bacteria to collect below the gumline. Over time, this can contribute to gum recession, bone loss, and loose teeth. Addressing the condition earlier may reduce the likelihood that more extensive treatment will be needed later.

Dr. Reagan Smith reviews your findings with you so you can see problem areas and understand your treatment options before moving forward.

How We Treat Gum Disease

Your treatment plan depends on what we find during your examination and digital X-rays. Common approaches may include:

• Professional cleaning and scaling to remove plaque and tartar
• Scaling and root planing to clean below the gumline and smooth the root surfaces
• Targeted antimicrobial therapy when additional bacterial control is appropriate
• Ongoing periodontal maintenance to monitor gum health after treatment

We also use our intraoral scanner to track changes over time. During follow-up visits, our team can review your progress and recommend adjustments to your home care routine as needed.

Regular Cleaning vs. Periodontal Treatment

A regular dental cleaning is generally intended to help prevent gum disease by removing plaque and tartar from the teeth and around the gumline.

Periodontal treatment is used when gum disease has already affected the tissues surrounding the teeth. Scaling and root planing reach deeper below the gumline to remove buildup from periodontal pockets and root surfaces.

The type of cleaning you need depends on the health of your gums, pocket measurements, X-rays, and other findings from your examination.

Does Scaling and Root Planing Hurt?

Patient experiences vary, and the amount of treatment needed depends on the severity of gum disease. Before treatment, we explain what to expect and discuss ways to keep you comfortable during your visit.

If scaling and root planing is recommended, we will also explain how your mouth may feel afterward and what you can do at home to support healing.

How Often Is Periodontal Maintenance Needed?

Some patients with a history of gum disease benefit from periodontal maintenance visits about every three months. However, the right schedule depends on your individual gum health.

Regular maintenance allows us to monitor pocket depths, remove buildup, and identify changes before they become more difficult to manage.

Home Care That Supports Gum Health

Consistent daily care plays an important role in managing gum disease and maintaining the results of professional treatment.

Helpful habits include:

• Brush twice a day for two minutes with a soft-bristle toothbrush
• Floss or use interdental cleaners once daily to clean between teeth
• Use an antiseptic mouthwash when recommended by your hygienist

During your appointments, we can demonstrate brushing and interdental cleaning techniques tailored to your specific needs. Improvements in daily care can support healthier gums over time.

Periodontal Care at Our Kingwood, TX Office

Our approach combines detailed evaluation, digital technology, and ongoing monitoring.

At Dr. Reagan Smith’s practice:

• Dr. Reagan Smith reviews digital X-rays with you on-screen so you can see areas of concern
• We use an intraoral scanner for comfortable digital scanning and precise tracking of gum contours
• CEREC allows us to provide same-day restorations when restorative treatment is needed to address a damaged tooth near the gumline

When CEREC treatment is appropriate, completing a restoration in one visit may reduce the need for additional restorative appointments.

Signs You May Need Periodontal Treatment

Schedule a dental evaluation if you notice:

• Bleeding while brushing or flossing
• Persistent bad breath that does not improve with brushing
• Teeth that feel looser than they used to
• Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
• Red, swollen, or tender gums

These symptoms can have several causes, but they are worth evaluating. Identifying gum disease earlier can make it easier to manage and may help prevent additional damage.

Schedule Periodontal Care in Kingwood, TX

If you are experiencing bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, gum recession, loose teeth, or other signs of gum disease, schedule a periodontal evaluation with Dr. Reagan Smith in Kingwood, TX.

We will examine your gums, explain what we find, and recommend treatment based on your individual needs. Call today to schedule your periodontal screening or book online through our website.