Gum Disease Treatment
Gum disease ranges from simple gum inflammation, known as gingivitis, to more severe infections, known as periodontitis. It is typically caused by poor oral hygiene, allowing plaque—a sticky film of food debris, bacteria, and saliva—to build up on the teeth and harden.
Periodontal Disease
Our team tries to treat any gum infections we encounter quickly before they have a chance to cause more serious problems. You can rest assured that if we notice a problem with your gums, we’ll deal with it right away:
- Often, we use a treatment called scaling and root planing. This is a two-step deep cleaning procedure. First, we remove tartar buildup on the roots of your teeth below your gumline. Then, we will smooth the surface of the tooth roots so the tooth can reattach to the gums more easily.
- We can also prescribe an antibiotic to kill off any lingering bacteria.
If the thought of treatment makes you anxious, you can receive dental sedation to make sure you feel at ease and that your procedure is pain-free all the way through. You don’t have to wait until you see the telltale signs of early-stage gum disease (commonly called gingivitis). Instead, be proactive and come see us at Perry Smiles for a routine exam and gum disease treatment.
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What are the signs of gum disease?
The first indication of periodontitis is an inflamed gum line that may cause discomfort or bleeding during brushing, flossing, or professional teeth cleaning. If left untreated, the gums begin to recede and pull away from the teeth, leaving gaps between the teeth and gums called periodontal pockets that can become filled with harmful bacteria. Your dentist will measure the depth of these pockets to determine the extent of the condition and what treatment is necessary. If gum disease spreads to the jawbone and connective tissues of the teeth, the jawbone can deteriorate, and teeth may eventually be lost.
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What causes gum disease?
There are three primary reasons that can lead to gum disease. The most common one is chronic periodontitis. This happens when bacteria start to accumulate beneath the gum line due to poor oral hygiene and eventually turn into tartar, which is a hard substance that cannot be easily removed by brushing or flossing. Professional cleaning is required to remove tartar. If left untreated, the gums become inflamed and damaged, and ultimately lead to bone loss.
The second cause is aggressive periodontitis, this is believed to be a genetic condition as it shows up in a small number of families. It moves quickly and can even be seen in children.
The last and the rarest cause is necrotizing periodontal disease. This can occur in people with immune issues and or chronic diseases. The soft tissue and bone are compromised because of a lack of blood flow.
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How is periodontal disease or gum disease treated?
Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, can be treated in two ways. The treatment you receive will depend on the severity of your condition.
Scaling and root planing are recognized as the standard treatment for periodontitis. This procedure is highly effective in managing the condition in its early to moderate stages, and it also does an excellent job of reversing its harmful effects. During this treatment, your dentist will access the areas below the gum line and between the teeth to remove harmful accumulations of plaque, tartar, and oral bacteria. Then, the root surfaces will be smoothed out to prevent future accumulations. The healing process will begin, and your gums will eventually reattach themselves to the teeth.
The second treatment is called bone grafting, which is often required when bacteria and plaque have reached the jawbone, causing deterioration and decay. At this stage, your dentist will need to surgically access the damaged jawbone. To encourage new bone growth, your dentist will apply proteins and artificial bone-like material to the areas of decay. This is an essential step in strengthening the jawbone to support dental implants to replace missing teeth.
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What is gum recession?
Gum recession is a common problem that affects almost half of the American population over the age of 50. However, it can also affect young people. Some individuals are born with thin gums, which makes them more prone to gum recession. Other factors that can contribute to gum recession include aggressive brushing, trauma, surgery, and ill-fitting partial dentures or dental appliances.
If you notice a tooth that appears longer than usual or experience pain or sensitivity while brushing and flossing, it could be a sign of gum recession. It is essential to see a dentist for a thorough examination.
If you are diagnosed with gum recession, your dentist may suggest grafting a small amount of skin from your palate and using it to cover the affected area. This treatment helps protect the tooth from further damage. It is a minor procedure that can be performed on a single tooth or multiple teeth, depending on your specific needs.
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What is the link between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease?
Studies have shown a strong correlation between the amount of inflammation in the gums and the amount of inflammation in the arteries of the neck and heart. This is considered dangerous, as inflammation is the main factor in destabilizing plaque in artery walls. Both strokes and heart attacks result from the breakdown of arterial plaques.
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What can my dentist do to reduce my risk of periodontal disease?
To maintain healthy periodontal tissues, consult your dentist about appropriate homecare and an effective schedule of dental cleanings. You may be advised by your dentist to take medication such
as prescription antimicrobial mouthwash or oral antibiotics. Additionally, your dentist may recommend salivary testing to check for certain oral bacteria pathogens and to assess inflammatory and genetic risks.
More Questions?
If you have any questions about periodontal disease (gum disease) treatment please contact our office and we will be happy to answer any questions.