La Crosse
3143 State Road Suite 100, La Crosse, WI 54601
Why choose us
Benefits of Gum Disease Treatment
Healthier, Calmer Gums
Treatment targets the bacteria and buildup behind red, swollen or bleeding gums.
Protects Your Teeth
Caring for gum disease helps protect the support around your natural teeth.
No Judgment Here
However long it has been, we start where you are with clear, honest explanations.
Comfort Built In
The Ascent Experience adds warm towelettes, blankets, headphones and essential oils to your visit.
Care Close to Home
Patients across the Coulee Region can get gum care in La Crosse, Holmen, Arcadia or Viroqua.
If you've noticed pink in the sink when you brush, gums that feel tender, or breath that doesn't stay fresh, you're not alone, and you don't need to wait for it to get worse. At Rivertown Dental in La Crosse, Holmen, Arcadia and Viroqua, we help patients across Wisconsin's Coulee Region treat gum disease close to home, with clear explanations and no judgment about how long it has been since your last visit.
Gum disease starts when plaque and hardened tartar build up along and below the gumline, where a toothbrush can't fully reach. Early on, gums may look puffy or bleed easily. As it progresses, the gums can pull away from the teeth and form pockets that trap more bacteria. Because it often develops quietly, many people don't realize anything is wrong until a dental exam or cleaning brings it to light.
Patients come to us for gum disease treatment for different reasons. Some are parents who finally have time for their own care after years of getting the kids to appointments. Some are retirees in Viroqua or Westby who notice a tooth feels looser than it used to. Others are busy professionals in La Crosse or Onalaska who were told at a past visit that their gums needed attention. Common signs that bring people in include:
- Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
- Red, swollen or tender gums
- Persistent bad breath or a bad taste
- Gums that seem to be pulling back from the teeth
- Teeth that feel loose or bite differently
For many patients, treatment begins with scaling and root planing, sometimes called a deep cleaning. Our hygienists carefully remove plaque and tartar from below the gumline, then smooth the root surfaces so the gums have a cleaner surface to heal against. Depending on your needs, we may treat one area of the mouth at a time over more than one visit.
Before we recommend anything, we start with a dental exam and digital X-rays so we can see what is happening around each tooth. Then we walk you through what we found in plain language. If gum disease has already affected a tooth beyond what treatment can help, our general dentists can talk with you about extractions, implants or other tooth replacement options we provide in-house.
Will gum disease treatment be uncomfortable?
Most patients find it much more manageable than they expected, and we take steps to keep you comfortable throughout. We numb the areas being treated, and we check in with you along the way.
Comfort is part of how we practice. The Ascent Experience: advanced care, genuine comfort, and a better experience from start to finish. That means small touches like warm towelettes, blankets, support pillows, headphones and essential oils. For adults who feel anxious about dental care, we also offer IV sedation, and we're happy to talk through whether it makes sense for you.
What happens after treatment, and how do I keep my gums healthy?
After a deep cleaning, your gums may feel a little sensitive for a short time while they settle. We'll give you specific home care instructions, including how to brush and floss the treated areas and what to watch for as you heal.
Keeping your results depends on ongoing care. Many patients move to a schedule of periodontal maintenance visits, which are more focused than a routine cleaning and help us keep a close eye on the pockets around your teeth. Because families see the same team for cleanings, exams, emergencies and gum care, we get to know your history and can notice changes early. Results vary from person to person, and your daily habits at home play a big role in how your gums respond over time.
How can I pay for gum disease treatment?
We work with many dental insurance plans, so please call your nearest office to confirm your coverage before your visit. We also welcome self-pay patients and are glad to go over expected costs with you ahead of time.
If you don't have insurance, our Rivertown Membership Plans, also called the VIP Program, include Classic, Deluxe and Kids options with cleanings, exams, X-rays and fluoride included, plus a discount on treatment. Membership plans cannot be combined with insurance. We also offer third-party financing through Cherry, CareCredit and Proceed Finance for patients who qualify, so you can spread out the cost of care. Approval depends on each lender's own criteria.
Healthy gums support everything else, from your natural teeth to any future restorations. If something feels off, or you simply want a fresh start, call the Rivertown Dental office closest to you in La Crosse, Holmen, Arcadia or Viroqua to schedule an exam. We'll listen, explain your options and help you take the next step at a pace that feels right. Dentistry, Done Differently.
The process
What to expect
- 1
Exam and Evaluation
We check your gums and teeth with a dental exam and digital X-rays, then explain what we find.
- 2
Scaling and Root Planing
Our team cleans below the gumline to remove buildup and smooth root surfaces so gums can heal.
- 3
Periodontal Maintenance
Regular follow-up cleanings help keep your gums on track after treatment.
Questions
Gum Disease Treatment FAQs
How much does gum disease treatment cost, and will my insurance help?
The cost depends on what your gums need, so we give you a clear explanation of your treatment and costs before we begin. We work with many dental insurance plans, so call your nearest Rivertown Dental office in the Coulee Region and we will help you confirm your coverage. If you do not have insurance, ask about our Rivertown Membership Plans (VIP Program), and qualifying patients can also apply for third-party financing through Cherry, CareCredit or Proceed Finance.
Does gum disease treatment hurt?
Most patients find that treatments like scaling and root planing feel much more manageable than they expected, and we focus on keeping you comfortable the whole time. We can offer nitrous oxide sedation, and IV sedation is available for adults who feel anxious about dental care. Through the Ascent Experience you can also have a warm towelette, a blanket, a support pillow, headphones and essential oils while you relax in our chair.
How long does treatment take, and what is recovery like?
The length of treatment depends on how much of your mouth needs care, and we will walk you through your plan and timeline before we start. Many patients go back to their normal routine soon after a scaling and root planing visit. If you notice any tenderness or have questions afterward, call our team and we will help.
How long do the results of gum disease treatment last?
How long your results last depends largely on consistent home care and regular follow-up visits with us. After your initial treatment, we often recommend periodontal maintenance visits to keep your gums healthy and catch any changes early. We cannot promise a specific outcome, but we will build a care plan that gives your gums the best support we can.
How do I know if I need gum disease treatment, or if a regular cleaning is enough?
The best way to know is a dental exam and cleaning with our team, where we check the health of your gums and explain what we find. If your gums are healthy, routine cleanings and preventive dentistry may be all you need, while signs of gum disease may call for scaling and root planing followed by periodontal maintenance. There is no judgment about how long it has been since your last visit, so call any of our offices in La Crosse, Holmen, Arcadia or Viroqua to schedule.