Infected Gum Therapy in Plainville, MA

Periodontal Services

Treatment for swollen, bleeding or painful gums that removes bacteria below the gumline and helps the tissue heal.

When gums are infected, they often bleed, swell and feel tender. Treating the infection promptly can reduce inflammation, help the gums heal and lower the risk of losing teeth.

Close-up of the front teeth and gums held open with a cheek retractor

What’s included

  • Treatment for swollen, tender or bleeding gums
  • Deep cleaning below the gumline with local anesthesia
  • Smoothing of root surfaces to help gums reattach
  • Clear aftercare and home care guidance
  • Follow-up to check how the gums are healing

About Infected Gum Therapy

If your gums are swollen, painful, or bleeding frequently, you may be experiencing gum infection (periodontitis). Our infected gum therapy is designed to effectively treat this condition by removing harmful bacteria, preventing further gum damage, and restoring your overall oral health. Timely intervention can prevent severe complications, including tooth loss. We provide a thorough deep cleaning, known as scaling and root planing, to remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria below the gumline. This procedure smooths the roots, helping your gums reattach to your teeth, reducing inflammation, and allowing for optimal healing. During infected gum therapy, we use local anesthesia to ensure a comfortable experience. After the procedure, it's common to experience mild soreness or sensitivity, which usually subsides within a few days. Maintaining good oral hygiene practices, including regular brushing, flossing, and scheduled professional cleanings, will help prevent future infections and promote long-lasting oral health. You may require infected gum therapy if you notice swollen, red, or tender gums; persistent bad breath or bad taste in your mouth; bleeding gums when brushing or flossing; receding gums or loose teeth; or painful chewing or increased tooth sensitivity.

Why Not Wait It Out

Gum infection rarely resolves on its own. Bacteria below the gumline are protected from brushing, and the hardened tartar they live in keeps irritating the tissue. Over time, ongoing infection can break down the bone around the teeth. Teeth may loosen, shift or eventually be lost. Treating the infection earlier often means simpler treatment and better outcomes. Healthy gums also give any future restorative work, such as crowns, bridges or implants, a stable foundation.

After Treatment

Most patients feel some soreness or sensitivity for a few days. Warm salt water rinses and over-the-counter pain relief can help, and we will give you specific instructions for your situation. A follow-up visit lets us check how the gums are responding. Many patients then move to more frequent maintenance cleanings to keep bacteria under control. If inflammation persists in certain areas, we will talk with you about next steps.

Common Questions

What causes gum infections?
Most gum infections are caused by bacteria in plaque and tartar that build up along and below the gumline. Smoking, diabetes, hormonal changes and some medications can increase the risk.
Is infected gum therapy the same as scaling and root planing?
Scaling and root planing is the main part of this treatment. Infected gum therapy describes the overall approach to treating active gum infection, including follow-up and home care.
Will my gums stop bleeding after treatment?
In many cases bleeding decreases significantly as inflammation goes down, especially with consistent home care. Some areas may take longer to respond.
How long does recovery take?
Soreness and sensitivity usually ease within a few days. Gum tissue continues to heal and tighten over the following weeks.
Can a gum infection spread?
Untreated gum infections can worsen and, in some cases, lead to abscesses. If you have significant swelling, fever or spreading pain, call the office promptly.

Terms You May Hear

Periodontitis
A serious gum infection that damages the soft tissue and can destroy the bone supporting the teeth.
Subgingival
Below the gumline.
Root Planing
Smoothing the root surfaces of teeth to remove bacteria and help gums reattach.

Ready to Schedule Your Appointment?

Noticing swollen or bleeding gums? Call (508) 695-7674 to schedule an evaluation.