Most gum problems do not start out obvious. We see the small clues first: a little pink in the sink, a spot that feels puffy, breath that turns sour by late afternoon. When you come in for a dental exam in Webster, our goal is to catch these early changes and keep treatment simple.
Early signs you should not ignore
A short list we walk through with patients:
- Bleeding when you brush or floss
- Red, puffy, or tender gums
- Bad breath that returns quickly after cleaning
- Gum recession that makes teeth look longer
- A tooth that feels slightly loose or a bite that feels different
If any of these linger for a week, it is time to see us.
What we check at your visit
We do more than “take a look.” In our hygiene rooms, we:
- Measure the space between your teeth and gums and record the numbers
- Note any bleeding points and areas of recession
- Review X-rays when needed to see bone levels and hidden tartar
- Talk through what you notice at home and how long it has been happening
If it is early gingivitis, a thorough cleaning and better home habits usually turn things around. If we find tartar under the gums, we recommend periodontal therapy.
What periodontal therapy looks like here
Non-surgical periodontal therapy focuses on cleaning where a toothbrush cannot reach. First, we make the area fully numb. Then we gently remove the buildup above and below the gumline using a combination of ultrasonic and hand instruments. After that, we smooth the root surfaces so the gum can reattach cleanly. If a spot is stubborn, we may place a small antimicrobial medication right in that area. Before you leave, we explain how to look after the healing tissue at home and schedule a follow-up so we can check your progress. Mild tenderness for a day or two is common, and most people return to normal routines quickly.
After the visit: what healing feels like
You can expect:
- Temporary sensitivity to cold
- Slight tenderness along the gumline
- Gums that look less puffy within a week
- Fresher breath as inflammation settles
Call us if pain worsens or you notice swelling that does not improve.
Home care that actually helps
Consistency beats gadgets. Your daily routine[1] is the backbone of healing:
- Brush twice daily for 2–4 minutes with a soft brush and fluoride toothpaste
- Aim the bristles toward the gumline and use small circles
- Floss twice daily to clean the tight spaces a brush cannot reach
- Use the interdental brushes we recommend for any wider spaces
- Ask about a custom mouthguard in Webster if you clench or grind
We tailor this plan to your mouth so it is realistic and easy to follow.
Maintenance keeps results steady
After therapy, we don’t just send you on your way. We schedule maintenance cleanings on a tighter rhythm at first so plaque does not harden again and pockets do not deepen.
- Most patients start with visits every three to four months
- We try to keep you with the same hygienist to track small changes
- As your gums stabilize, we space visits out appropriately
- Preventative dentistry in Webster is your long-term safety net
If disease is advanced or certain areas do not respond, we coordinate with a trusted periodontist and continue your general care here.
How gum health connects to the rest of your care
Healthy gums are the base for everything else we do as your family dentist in Webster. If we also find decay or worn restorations, we’ll plan the order so healing comes first, then complete what’s needed. That may mean fillings once the tissue is calm, porcelain crowns for heavily restored or cracked teeth, or discussing timing for future tooth implants so gum and bone health support long-term success. If you’re comparing options and searching for the best dentist in Webster, judge us by how clearly we explain your plan and how your gums feel at your follow-up.
Ready to get started
Periodontal therapy in Webster does not have to be complicated. Schedule an exam, let us map out a plan, and we will help you keep it up at home. Call 585-685-2005 or request an appointment through our contact page.
