Bleeding gums, puffy tissue, or a bad taste that will not go away are signs your gums need attention, not something to put off. Gum disease is common and treatable, and catching it early is the easiest way to keep your teeth for the long run. This page explains what gum disease is, how Dr. Bui treats it at B-You! Dentistry in Suwanee, and what your visit looks like from start to finish.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is an infection of the tissue and bone that hold your teeth in place. It starts with plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that collects along and under the gumline. If plaque is not removed, it hardens into tartar and the gums become inflamed. The American Dental Association explains that gum disease ranges from mild gum inflammation to serious disease that can damage the bone around your teeth (MouthHealthy, ADA). The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research notes that gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss in adults when it is left untreated (NIDCR).
Signs Your Gums Need Attention
- Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Gums that look like they are pulling away from your teeth
- Bad breath that does not go away
- Teeth that feel loose or shift position
- A new gap between two teeth that was not there before
Many patients feel little to no pain in the early stage, so the signs above matter more than how your mouth feels day to day. Our blog covers the warning signs and stages of gum disease in more detail.
How Dr. Bui Treats Gum Disease in Suwanee
Early Gum Inflammation
When gum tissue is irritated but there is no bone loss yet, a professional cleaning and a better brushing and flossing routine often bring your gums back to health.
Deeper Gum Infection
When plaque and tartar have built up below the gumline, Dr. Bui recommends a deeper cleaning that reaches below the gum tissue and smooths the tooth root so your gums can reattach.
Laser-Assisted Treatment
Our office uses a diode laser to help treat infected gum tissue in certain cases, which can make the area more comfortable to treat.
Dr. Bui checks how deep the space is between your gum and tooth, looks at your bone levels on digital X-rays, and builds a plan around what he finds. You hear every option in plain language before anything is decided.
Your Gum Disease Visit, Step by Step
Step 1: Exam and digital X-rays. Dr. Bui checks your gums, measures the space around each tooth, and takes digital X-rays to see the bone level under the gumline.
Step 2: Photos on screen. An intraoral camera shows close-up pictures of your gums and teeth on the screen in front of you, so you see exactly what Dr. Bui sees.
Step 3: Your options, explained. Dr. Bui walks you through what is going on and what each treatment option involves, without any pressure to decide on the spot.
Step 4: Treatment. Depending on what your gums need, this may be a standard cleaning, a deep cleaning, or laser-assisted gum therapy.
Step 5: A plan going forward. Before you leave, we can book your next cleaning on the schedule Dr. Bui recommends, so your gums stay healthy after treatment.
Dr. Bui explained everything unlike the other clinic that you will only see the dentist for few seconds, dr Bui is very hands on!
Isa, Google review
I had to have a deep cleaning and scaling and Wilma was my hygienist. She is the best hygienist hands down that I have ever had in my entire life...
Jackie, Google review
Why Suwanee Patients Choose Us for Gum Disease Treatment
- Every X-ray and finding explained in plain language, never rushed
- Digital X-rays, intraoral cameras, and diode laser therapy for gum tissue
- Dr. Tan Bui, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and member of the ADA and AGD, with 100+ hours of continuing education
- In network with 20+ PPO plans, plus select Medicare plans from Aetna, United Healthcare PPO, United Concordia, and Humana (see our insurance and financing page)
- Monthly payments available through Cherry and CareCredit
- Our team speaks Vietnamese and Spanish
- Comfort extras like drinks, lip balm and a take-home goodie bag
New Patients: Start With a Healthy Baseline
If it has been a while since your last cleaning, start with our $149 new patient exam and healthy mouth cleaning. If you only want a focused look at one area of concern, ask about our $99 limited exam or implant consult. Either way, Dr. Bui checks your gums as part of the exam and lets you know if anything needs more care.
Swollen or Painful Gums Right Now?
If your gums are swollen with pus, suddenly painful, or a tooth feels loose, do not put off care. Call us at (470) 866-5801 and we will work to get you seen quickly. For more on urgent symptoms, see our emergency dental care page. Once the infection is under control, we get you set up with the ongoing gum care that keeps it from coming back.
Gum Disease Treatment FAQs: Suwanee, GA
Can gum disease be reversed?
Early gum inflammation can often be reversed with a professional cleaning and a better home care routine. Once bone around the tooth is affected, treatment focuses on stopping the disease and protecting the bone and teeth you have.
Why do my gums bleed every time I brush?
Bleeding usually means plaque has built up along your gumline and the tissue is inflamed. It is one of the earliest signs of gum disease and worth having Dr. Bui look at, even if it does not hurt.
What is a deep cleaning?
A deep cleaning reaches below the gumline to remove plaque and tartar and smooths the tooth root so the gum tissue can reattach to the tooth. Dr. Bui recommends it when a standard cleaning cannot reach the problem.
Does gum treatment hurt?
Most patients do well with cleanings and deep cleanings. For deeper treatment, local anesthetic keeps you comfortable, and you can ask about laughing gas if you feel nervous.
Will my insurance cover gum treatment?
Many PPO plans help cover gum disease treatment. Bring your insurance card and our team can go over your benefits with you. See our insurance and financing page for details.
How often do I need to come back after treatment?
Dr. Bui sets your cleaning schedule based on how your gums respond to treatment, so you come back as often as your gums need rather than on a one-size-fits-all timeline.
Ready to get your gums checked or treated? Call (470) 866-5801 or start as a new patient at B-You! Dentistry in Suwanee, GA today.