Yankton, South Dakota
Care for bleeding gums and gum disease, with a treatment plan to support your oral health.
Bleeding, swollen, or receding gums deserve a dental examination, even when they do not hurt. At Yankton Dental Clinic, we check your gums, measure pockets around your teeth, and use X-rays when needed to assess bone support. Your health history, medicines, and tobacco use also help guide your treatment plan.
Treatment depends on the stage of gum disease. Daily brushing, cleaning between teeth, and follow-up visits support healing. Periodontal maintenance helps us monitor your gums and manage the condition over time.
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums without loss of the supporting bone. It can often improve with professional cleaning and effective daily care. Periodontitis damages the tissues and bone supporting teeth and needs ongoing management. The NIDCR gum disease guide explains how examinations help guide treatment.
Scaling and root planing removes plaque and tartar below the gums and smooths root surfaces. Treatment may take several visits with local anesthetic. Temporary tenderness or sensitivity can follow; we recheck healing and plan maintenance for your needs.
Antibiotics or medicated rinses may be used in selected cases alongside cleaning. They do not replace plaque removal, daily home care, or follow-up visits.
For advanced disease, we may recommend a periodontist. Flap surgery allows deeper cleaning and may reduce pockets that remain after nonsurgical treatment.
A specialist may consider regenerative treatment for certain areas of bone loss. Grafting aims to help rebuild support; suitability and healing vary.
A periodontist may recommend tissue grafting for selected areas of gum recession. The goal is to protect exposed roots or improve tissue support, depending on your needs.
Patient education
Learn about common causes, gum examinations, and when to seek care.
Read the patient guideBleeding or swollen gums deserve attention. Schedule an evaluation to understand the cause and your treatment options.
