expert type icon EXPERT

Cynthia A. Layport, D.M.D.

Periodontist

<p>Dr. Cynthia Layport practices Periodontics in Portland, OR. A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease, and in the placement of dental implants. Dr. Layport has expertise in the treatment of oral inflammation, recession, and oral pathology. Some treatments that Dr. Layport provides are scaling and root planing, periodontal surgery, and gum grafting.</p>
37 years Experience
Cynthia A. Layport, D.M.D.
  • Portland, OR
  • OHSU School of Dentistry
  • Accepting new patients

How long does it take for gums to heal after gum graft?

It depends on the type of graft. A free gingival graft has had initial healing after 7 – 10 days, a connective tissue graft needs 3 – 4 weeks, and a donor tissue graft needs 6 READ MORE
It depends on the type of graft. A free gingival graft has had initial healing after 7 – 10 days, a connective tissue graft needs 3 – 4 weeks, and a donor tissue graft needs 6 – 8 weeks. The initial soreness should only last 1 – 2 weeks for any type of graft and you should not use an electric brush or irrigator on any type of grafting for at least 6 weeks.

Is removing gum stitches painful?

Not usually. The mouth is moist and the stitches usually slide out easily

How painful is a deep gum cleaning?

Typically we use local anesthetic for root planing so there is no pain after the anesthetic is applied. The soreness afterwards is typically mild and easily addressed with ibuprofen READ MORE
Typically we use local anesthetic for root planing so there is no pain after the anesthetic is applied. The soreness afterwards is typically mild and easily addressed with ibuprofen or acetaminophen and warm salt water rinses. The gums heal quickly once the irritating tartar and toxic bacteria are removed from under the gums.

How do you drain a gum abscess at home?

You can lance it with a sterilized needle and milk it with your finger from the cheek up to the tooth to get it draining. Warm salt water rinses also help. The source of the infection READ MORE
You can lance it with a sterilized needle and milk it with your finger from the cheek up to the tooth to get it draining. Warm salt water rinses also help. The source of the infection will still be there however, and you need professional treatment to get rid of the source of the infection. Each time a gum abscess happens you lose more bone, even if there is not a lot of pain.

What can I do for bleeding gums?

A professional tooth cleaning is the most reliable way to get your gums healthy. If they bleed in spite of regular cleanings you should make sure you are using good oral hygiene READ MORE
A professional tooth cleaning is the most reliable way to get your gums healthy. If they bleed in spite of regular cleanings you should make sure you are using good oral hygiene technique by brushing twice a day, thoroughly but gently, flossing daily and possibly adding a mouthwash or irrigator. If they still bleed seek professional care. You may have a vitamin deficiency , particularly toxic bacteria or a serious medical issue.

How long does gum recession surgery take?

One hour for one area or 1 ½ hours for two areas is usually enough, and the actual surgical portion is only half of that time.

How long is recovery from gum surgery?

Most people recover in 1 – 2 weeks, but the gums need 6 weeks to be fully strong again. Bone grafting procedures take longer however.

Can I save my teeth with periodontal disease?

Yes, teeth with periodontal disease usually can be saved with proper treatment, most often starting with deep cleaning and followed by regular maintenance care and good oral hygiene. READ MORE
Yes, teeth with periodontal disease usually can be saved with proper treatment, most often starting with deep cleaning and followed by regular maintenance care and good oral hygiene.

Can gum pockets heal?

Gum pockets do heal when they are cleaned out appropriately. The bone typically does not grow back but the gum tissue can become healthy again. The usual treatment is scaling READ MORE
Gum pockets do heal when they are cleaned out appropriately. The bone typically does not grow back but the gum tissue can become healthy again. The usual treatment is scaling and root planing, also known as deep cleaning.

Do I need antibiotics after a deep cleaning?

Usually antibiotics are not needed with deep cleaning, but if the doctor thinks you have aggressive types of bacteria that can live in the gum tissue then antibiotics are often READ MORE
Usually antibiotics are not needed with deep cleaning, but if the doctor thinks you have aggressive types of bacteria that can live in the gum tissue then antibiotics are often recommended. People with significant gum disease who are less than 35 years old are often prescribed antibiotics to take at the same time as the deep cleaning.

Will deep cleaning stop gum disease?

Deep cleaning is the first step of treating gum disease. It is often the only treatment needed, especially if you follow through with regular dental cleanings and have good oral READ MORE
Deep cleaning is the first step of treating gum disease. It is often the only treatment needed, especially if you follow through with regular dental cleanings and have good oral hygiene, for example brushing twice a day and flossing daily. Skipping regular cleanings will often lead to more rounds of deep cleaning. If deep cleaning is not enough, then gum surgery may be needed to control the disease.

What causes gum recession?

The leading causes are over scrubbing with tooth brushing or too stiff of a toothbrush, and clenching and grinding. You can also get recession when you have gum disease, or frenum READ MORE
The leading causes are over scrubbing with tooth brushing or too stiff of a toothbrush, and clenching and grinding. You can also get recession when you have gum disease, or frenum pulls. It is more common on crooked teeth and people with big teeth but small jaws, and after orthodontic therapy.

How long does it take for gums to heal after scaling?

Usually only 2-4 days, but it can depend on how severe the gum disease is.

How do you fix inflamed gums?

The basic answer is good oral hygiene and regular cleanings at the dentist office. Once the gums are inflamed, they usually need professional cleaning to remove the hard calculus READ MORE
The basic answer is good oral hygiene and regular cleanings at the dentist office. Once the gums are inflamed, they usually need professional cleaning to remove the hard calculus that cannot be brushed away. Once the teeth are clean, then they can be kept healthy with good brushing and flossing habits. Occasionally, there are other problems with the gums such as lichen planus that need to be treated with medication in order to resolve the inflammation.

How long should I use saltwater after tooth extraction?

Two weeks, or as long as it is tender.

How can I get rid of an abscess without going to the dentist?

You can pop the abscess with a clean needle and milk it from the sides to drain it, but you are not eliminating the source of the infection. You need to see a dentist who can READ MORE
You can pop the abscess with a clean needle and milk it from the sides to drain it, but you are not eliminating the source of the infection. You need to see a dentist who can determine whether it is a tooth abscess or gum abscess, and whether it needs to be cleaned out, needs a root canal, or needs to be extracted. Without seeing the dentist the abscess may feel better but it will not be cured, and it will harm your bone as well as your health.

Will a periodontist help stop my gums from bleeding?

Bleeding gums are a sign of inflammation, usually caused by bacteria under the gums. Having your teeth cleaned should eliminate the bleeding. Scaling and root planing is deep READ MORE
Bleeding gums are a sign of inflammation, usually caused by bacteria under the gums. Having your teeth cleaned should eliminate the bleeding. Scaling and root planing is deep cleaning, usually done with numbing so that we can get down to where the bacteria are and clean the teeth thoroughly. General dentists, periodontists and their hygienists do this procedure.

Why do I have a sharp pain in my gums?

This is quite odd. You should have an evaluation.

Are there any home remedies to treat gingivitis?

Brushing thoroughly twice a day and flossing daily should eliminate gingivitis. If it has been a long time since your teeth were cleaned professionally, then that needs to be READ MORE
Brushing thoroughly twice a day and flossing daily should eliminate gingivitis. If it has been a long time since your teeth were cleaned professionally, then that needs to be done since home care cannot eliminate calculus, only plaque. Irrigators and mouthwash can help but again only for plaque and not calculus.

Can periodontal disease be reversed?

Typically we consider periodontal disease to be controllable but not cured. We usually can't bring back the bone that has been lost but we can stop the bone loss where it is and READ MORE
Typically we consider periodontal disease to be controllable but not cured. We usually can't bring back the bone that has been lost but we can stop the bone loss where it is and prevent it from getting worse.