Is Periodontal Treatment Painful?

Is Periodontal Treatment Painful?

One of the most common questions patients ask when diagnosed with gum disease is, "Is periodontal treatment painful?" The answer depends on the type of treatment, the severity of the condition, and the techniques used by your periodontist. If you’ve been told you need periodontal treatment, one of your first concerns might be: “Will it hurt?” The answer depends on the type of treatment, your oral health, and your individual pain tolerance—but in general, periodontal treatment is not as painful as many people fear.

Does It Hurt? Here’s What to Expect

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1. Non-Surgical Treatments (Scaling and Root Planing) ●​ Pain Level: Mild to moderate discomfort​ ●​ What It Involves: Deep cleaning below the gum line to remove plaque and tartar.​ ●​ Pain Management: Local anesthesia is typically used to numb the area. After the procedure, you may feel slight tenderness or sensitivity for a day or two.

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2. Surgical Treatments (Flap Surgery, Grafting)

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●​ Pain Level: Moderate and manageable​ ●​ What It Involves: Lifting the gums to clean deep pockets or performing gum/bone grafts.​ ●​ Pain Management: Performed under local anesthesia or sedation. Post-operative discomfort is usually managed with prescribed pain medication and proper aftercare.​ ​

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3. Arestin or Antibiotic Therapy ​ When placed in the gums, Arestin may cause slight discomfort, but it’s generally painless. It helps reduce bacteria and inflammation after deep cleaning.

​ Tips for a More Comfortable Experience

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●​ Choose an experienced periodontist​ ●​ Ask about numbing and sedation options​ ●​ Follow post-treatment care instructions​ ●​ Use pain relief and anti-inflammatory medications as prescribed​ ​ ​ ​

Periodontal treatment might sound intimidating, but modern techniques and anesthesia make it much more comfortable than it used to be. If you’re dealing with gum disease, seeking timely treatment is far less painful than the long-term effects of ignoring it.

When performed by specialists like those at Riverplace Periodontics, the benefits of periodontal treatments go beyond just your gums—they impact your entire health.