

periodontics - Thayer, MO & Walnut Ridge, AR
Healthier Smile Starts with Effective Gum Disease Treatment
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease often starts with a buildup of bacteria on the teeth and gums, leading to plaque formation. These bacteria release harmful substances that trigger an immune response, causing gums to become red, swollen, tender, and prone to bleeding.
The gum infection can worsen without proper treatment, damaging the gum-to-tooth attachment and potentially impacting the underlying bone. Gum disease can cause tooth sensitivity, difficulty chewing, and even tooth loss if left untreated. At MoArk Dental & Implants, we provide effective gum disease treatment, focusing on your comfort and overall well-being.

The Warning Signs of Gum Disease
- Swollen or enlarged gums
- Red or blue-red gums, especially between the teeth
- Gums that bleed easily when brushing, flossing, eating, or speaking
- Persistent bad breath
- Tenderness when eating or chewing
- Sensitive teeth
- Receding gumline that makes the teeth appear longer or shows the root surfaces of the teeth
- Damage to the supporting bone that can be seen on routine X-rays


The Link Between Gum Disease and Serious Medical Conditions
Many people don’t realize the strong connection between gum disease and serious overall health issues, such as memory loss, pancreatic cancer, diabetes, heart disease, preterm delivery, and low birth weight babies. Early treatment of gingivitis is crucial to stop the inflammation and prevent long-term damage. If left untreated, gum disease can significantly increase the risk of conditions like heart disease, pancreatitis, and certain cancers. At MoArk Dental & Implants, our experienced team is skilled in treating periodontitis at all stages, helping you maintain a healthy, functional smile.
Gum disease treatment often involves several stages, with ongoing care necessary to preserve your oral health. We understand that financial concerns can be a barrier for some patients, but these treatments are vital for preventing more severe health problems and costly dental procedures in the future. We’re dedicated to improving your overall health through effective periodontal care, and we’re here to assist with financing options to ensure you get the care you need.
Our Gum Disease Treatments
Scaling and Root Planing
Deep cleaning, scaling, and root planing are advanced dental procedures for treating periodontal disease and compromised tissue attachment. Typically serving as the initial step in periodontal treatment, these techniques involve meticulously removing bacterial buildup from the root surfaces of each tooth. This comprehensive approach aims to alleviate inflammation and enhance the attachment of healthy gum tissue, promoting improved oral health.
Periodontal Maintenance
Periodontal maintenance is an ongoing dental care routine designed to manage and prevent the progression of periodontal disease. It involves regular cleanings and check-ups, typically every 3-4 months, to remove plaque and tartar buildup and monitor gum health.
This maintenance is crucial for patients with a history of periodontal disease to prevent recurrence and maintain overall oral health. Adhering to a periodontal maintenance schedule can help preserve tooth structure and prevent further bone loss.
LANAP
LANAP (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure) is an advanced laser treatment for gum disease that does not require cutting or stitches. The procedure uses a specialized laser to remove infected tissue while stimulating healthy tissue growth, promoting natural healing.
LANAP is known for its minimal discomfort and faster recovery than traditional gum surgery. This non-invasive approach effectively treats gum disease, helping to restore oral health and prevent further damage to the teeth and gums.
Frenectomy
A frenectomy is a dental procedure that involves removing or modifying the frenulum, a small piece of tissue connecting the lip or tongue to the mouth. This procedure is commonly performed to address restricted tongue movement (tongue-tie) or lip movement that affects speech, eating, or oral hygiene.
Frenectomies are typically quick, minimally invasive procedures, often performed with a laser for faster healing and less discomfort. After a frenectomy, patients experience improved oral function and greater comfort in daily activities like speaking, eating, and brushing.
Gum Contouring
Gum contouring is a cosmetic dental procedure that reshapes the gum line to improve the smile's appearance. It is commonly used to correct a "gummy" smile, where excess gum tissue covers too much of the teeth, or to create a more symmetrical gum line.
The procedure is minimally invasive and can be performed using a laser for precision, minimal discomfort, and faster healing. Gum contouring enhances the smile's overall aesthetic, giving patients a more balanced and harmonious look.
Create a Healthy Foundation for Your Beautiful Smile.
Schedule your consultation for gum disease treatment in Thayer, MO, or Walnut Ridge, AR, today!