Your gums are the foundation of your smile. When they’re healthy, your teeth stay strong, stable, and supported for life. At Lee Dentistry, we provide gentle, effective periodontal care to help treat gum disease, reduce inflammation, and protect your long-term oral health. Whether you're noticing early signs of gum disease or need more advanced care, our team is here to help in a supportive, judgment-free environment.
As a locally owned dental practice in Oxford, MS, we focus on making treatment feel comfortable, clear, and manageable, so you can get back to feeling confident about your smile.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease (periodontal disease) is an infection of the gums caused by bacteria and plaque buildup along and beneath the gumline. It often develops slowly and may not cause pain in the early stages, which is why regular dental visits are so important.
Common signs of gum disease include:
- Bleeding when brushing or flossing
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Persistent bad breath
- Gum recession (teeth appearing longer)
- Tooth sensitivity
- Loose or shifting teeth
Early treatment can prevent more serious damage and help protect your natural teeth.
Deep Cleaning (Scaling & Root Planing)
When gum disease progresses beyond what a regular cleaning can treat, a deep cleaning, also called scaling and root planing, may be recommended. This treatment gently removes plaque and bacteria from below the gumline and smooths the tooth roots to help the gums heal and reattach.
Periodontal deep cleaning helps:
- Reduce gum inflammation
- Stop the progression of gum disease
- Improve gum attachment and health
- Create a cleaner, healthier oral environment
We always prioritize your comfort during treatment and may recommend local anesthesia to ensure the experience is as gentle as possible.
Gingival Contouring
Healthy gums should support and frame your smile evenly. Gingival contouring (gum reshaping) is a procedure that gently adjusts the gumline to improve balance, symmetry, or aesthetics. It may also be recommended when excess gum tissue makes teeth appear shorter than they are.
This treatment can improve both the health and appearance of your smile, depending on your needs.
Antimicrobial Rinse Therapy
To support healing and reduce bacteria after periodontal treatment, we may recommend antimicrobial rinses. These prescription or professionally guided rinses help:
- Reduce harmful bacteria in the mouth
- Support gum healing after deep cleaning
- Control inflammation
- Improve overall gum health during maintenance
We’ll provide clear instructions so you know exactly how and when to use them for the best results.
Ongoing Periodontal Maintenance
After initial periodontal treatment, some patients benefit from more frequent cleanings to keep gum disease under control. These maintenance visits are designed to:
- Keep bacteria levels low
- Monitor gum health over time
- Prevent disease progression
- Protect long-term tooth stability
We’ll customize your care schedule based on your individual needs.
A Gentle, Supportive Approach to Gum Care
We understand that being told you have gum disease can feel overwhelming – but you are not alone, and treatment is highly effective when addressed early. Our team takes a calm, step-by-step approach to care, explaining everything clearly and working at a pace that feels comfortable for you. There is no judgment, only support and a clear plan to help restore your oral health.
Protecting Your Smile for the Long Term
Healthy gums are essential for maintaining a strong, confident smile. Whether you need a deep cleaning or ongoing periodontal maintenance, Lee Dentistry is here to provide modern, gentle care focused on preserving your natural teeth and supporting your overall well-being.
We’re here to help your smile stay healthy for years to come. Contact us today to schedule your next periodontal visit!
