Gum Disease Treatment: What You Need to Know
Sometimes when brushing, you could notice slight bleeding, which could indicate you have used too much force or hard-bristled toothbrush. However, at times bleeding gums could be a symptom of gum infection.
Gum disease affects a majority of people, and since the infection is benign in the early stages, it could go unnoticed. That is why it is essential to visit the dentist regularly for assessment.
Periodontal disease is gradual and occurs in stages. Gum inflammation and irritation are the primary symptoms of gingivitis. Gingivitis treatments involve proper hygiene and antibiotics to keep the infection at bay. If untreated, the gum infection could advance to periodontitis, which causes the gums to detach from the teeth.
Gum disease may sound scary, but it’s not as we have several treatment options that can work to reverse the effects of the infection. Some of the treatment options available include:
1. Deep Dental Cleaning
Professional teeth cleaning is done on your bi-annual dental appointment. The dentist will remove plaque and tartar buildup from your gum line.
Although professional cleaning is not a treatment for active gum infection, it is a preventive measure that can keep the bacteria away. Deep teeth cleaning is done twice a year, but the dentist can recommend frequent cleanings if you are at risk of gum disease.
2. Root Scaling and Planing
Though similar to professional cleaning, scaling is a treatment and not a routine procedure. Root scaling is a non-surgical procedure that involves removing tartar and cleaning the gum pockets. After scaling, the dentist will proceed to do root planning, which involves reducing the gum pockets and reattaching them back to the teeth.
You may have tooth sensitivity for a few days following the scaling and root planing.
3. Gum Graft
Periodontitis can cause the gums to recede. The process is often gradual, and most people don’t notice it until it’s too late.
The gum recession can be rectified using a surgical procedure. Several gum graft techniques are available and will depend on your severity and stage of the gum disease. But, generally, the dentist will remove tissue from the roof of the mouth and fix it on the affected area to promote tissue growth.
4. Flap Surgery
When the root scaling and planing fail to get rid of the infection, the dentist can opt for pocket reduction surgery. During the procedure, our dentist in Tracy, CA, will first clean off the tartar and smoothen the area to close the tiny spaces that cause bacteria to grow. Next, the dentist will place the gums back to the teeth while reducing the space between the gums and teeth.
5. Bone Graft
At times bone graft is combined with flap surgery. Bone grafting is a procedure done to promote bone growth that was destroyed by the gum infection. The dentist will use bone granules from your body or other sources such as cadaver. The bone can support not only the surrounding tissue but also promote new bone growth.
The above-mentioned surgical procedures are done when necessary. More often than not, root scaling and planing is the ideal treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What Causes Gum Disease?
Poor hygiene and plaque buildup is the primary cause of periodontal disease. However, several factors can increase your risks, such as hormonal changes, smoking, family history, obesity, and certain medications.
Always examine your gums daily if you have any of the above risk factors.
Q. How Can You Tell You Need Gum Treatment?
Both gingivitis and periodontitis have similar symptoms but in varying degrees. The initial symptoms include pain, tender, swollen, and bleeding gums, bad breath, and dark gums. As the infection advances, you will have constant gum bleeding, halitosis, receding gums and bones, pain when chewing, pus in between the gums and teeth, and lose teeth.
Q. Is Gum Disease Preventable?
Yes. Practice proper hygiene, stop smoking, and reduce stress. Additionally, ensure you come to Innovo Dental Implant and studio for your regular dental checkup. It is easy for the dentist to reverse the effects of gum disease is caught early and prevent the possibility of tooth extraction.