What to Expect
Gum Infection Therapy
Gum disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss — and it's largely reversible when treated early. Here's what the treatment and long-term maintenance process looks like.
Gum infection therapy (GIT) is a term for what's more commonly called a deep cleaning or scaling and root planing. It removes bacterial deposits from below the gumline — the ones that a routine cleaning cannot reach — and disrupts the infection at its source. Most patients with active gum disease require 1–2 GIT visits to complete the active phase of treatment, followed by lifetime maintenance.
At MDRN Dental Studio, GIT may also include laser therapy, antibacterial irrigation, and locally applied antibiotics depending on the severity and location of the disease.
Your Appointments, Step by Step
Periodontal Exam
30–45 minA full periodontal charting records pocket depths around every tooth. Depths greater than 3mm indicate bone loss and active disease. Digital X-rays confirm the extent of bone loss. Dr. Steven reviews the findings with you directly — this is your baseline. The staging and grading of your gum disease determines how many GIT appointments you'll need and what adjuncts (laser, antibiotics, antibacterial irrigation) may be recommended.
Gum Infection Therapy (GIT)
60–90 min per visit (1–2 visits)Deep cleaning performed below the gumline — often called scaling and root planing. Local anesthesia is used so you are comfortable. The hygienist uses ultrasonic and hand scalers to remove bacterial deposits from root surfaces deep inside the infected pockets. One side of the mouth is typically treated per visit, allowing you to eat comfortably on the untreated side during healing. Laser therapy, antibacterial irrigation, or locally applied antibiotics may be included based on your case.
Re-Evaluation + First Maintenance
45–60 minFour to six weeks after completing GIT, Dr. Steven and your hygienist re-chart the entire mouth. Pocket depths are compared against your baseline — this is how we measure whether treatment worked. Most patients show significant improvement. Any areas that remain problematic are addressed. This appointment marks the transition from active treatment to long-term maintenance.
Periodontal Maintenance (ongoing)
45–60 minEvery 3–4 months for most patients. Periodontal maintenance differs from a routine cleaning — it includes full pocket charting, targeted cleaning below the gumline, and monitoring of any high-risk areas. This schedule is not optional; it's the difference between stable gum disease and relapse. Most patients remain on this schedule for life.
What to Know Before You Come In
- GIT appointments use local anesthesia — you will be numb and should not feel pain during the procedure
- You can eat before your appointment, but avoid hard or crunchy foods on the treated side immediately after
- Expect mild sensitivity and some gum soreness for 1–2 weeks after each GIT visit — this is normal healing
- A prescription mouth rinse will be provided — use it exactly as directed for the full course
- Your maintenance interval of every 3–4 months is not optional; it is the treatment itself continuing
- Smoking significantly worsens gum disease and reduces treatment outcomes — discuss cessation with Dr. Steven
Gums Bleeding When You Brush?
Get Evaluated Before It Progresses
Bleeding gums are a warning sign, not just an inconvenience. The earlier gum disease is caught, the simpler the treatment. Call (469) 712-2046 or book online at MDRN Dental Studio.
6451 W University Dr, Ste 300 · McKinney, TX 75071