Periodontal Treatment 101: Everything You Need to Know

May 1, 2020

Sometimes when you brush forcefully, with a hard-bristled toothbrush, you may notice gum bleeding—which clears without causing any dental problems. However, there are times when gum bleeding may signify a more serious problem. Periodontal disease is a common dental problem caused by poor oral hygiene. Luckily, most people with gum disease can recover with the aid of several treatments. The few cases that are ignored develop into periodontitis, advanced periodontal disease.

What Causes Periodontal Disease?

When you consistently ignore your oral health, plaques accumulate above the gums. Usually, proper brushing techniques can remove buildup. However, at times the plaques may form tartar—the primary cause of periodontal disease.

The gum disease starts as inflammation (gingivitis), which can clear on its own with proper hygiene practices.

Gum inflammation, if left untreated, can advance to periodontitis that causes the formation of gum pockets and weakening of the teeth.

Since gingivitis presents no symptoms, it is easy for it to go unnoticed. Regular dental checkups can help detect and prevent the advancement of gum disease.

How Can You Know if you Have Gum Disease?

The signs of gum disease include:

• Swollen, tender, and bleeding gums
• Pain when chewing food
• Darkened and receding gums
• Pus in between your gums
• Bad breath

What are The Gum Disease Treatment Options Available?

The treatment to be used will depend on the stage of gum disease, but they may include:

Non-surgical treatments

• • Antibiotics

Mouth rinses or gels (topical antibiotics) can help to control the spread of bacteria. But, to completely get rid of the inflammation-causing bacteria, the periodontist may recommend oral antibiotics.

• • Professional Cleaning

In the initial stages of periodontal disease, professional deep cleaning is done to get rid of the tartar buildup. Deep cleaning is, however, not recommended if there is gum disease present.

• • Scaling and root planing

Scaling and root planing is the first choice of treatment for periodontal disease. The dentist will clean the tartar from the gums. Next, they will do root planing, which involves smoothening of the tooth surface and reattaching the gums back.

• • Laser treatments

Our dentist in Encinitas, CA, may use a laser to reduce bacteria present in the mouth and gums. The laser procedure also stimulates the growth of new blood vessels and collagen.

Surgical Treatments

Surgery is done in advanced periodontitis when the treatments mentioned above fail.

• • Pocket reduction surgery

The surgical procedure involves making tiny incisions to make it easy for the gums to be lifted. The underlying bone may be restructured if it is damaged. Finally, the pockets are reduced and reattached back.

• • Bone grafting

A bone graft is done if there is significant bone loss. Small granules or fragments of bone from your body or other sources are used to regenerate new bone growth. A bone graft holds the teeth together and prevents tooth loss.

• • Soft tissue graft

When the gums recede, they may damage the soft tissues. The periodontist removes tissue from the palate and attaches it to the affected area. Soft tissue graft may help prevent gum recession and cover the exposed root.

• • Guided tissue regeneration

The procedure involves the use of biocompatible fabric on your teeth and gums. The material prevents unwanted tissues from penetrating through to allow the bone to regenerate.

Gum Disease Prevention Techniques

Proper oral hygiene is the best cure for gum disease. Cleaning your teeth twice a day using the proper brushing techniques can prevent the buildup of plaques and tartar.

Don’t forget to come for your routine dental checkup. During these dental checkups, the dentist examines your oral health for any buildup clean off the tartar. Oral cancer screening is also done.

Take Away!

Gum disease is preventable, as well as curable. However, it is essential to know if you are at risk so that you can make proper plans. Factors like obesity, hormonal changes, genetics, certain medication, decreased immunity, and inadequate nutrition can increase your risk. Visit Sinclair Smiles for more information on periodontal treatment and how to prevent it.

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