What Is Periodontal (Gum) Treatment ?

A variety of dental treatments are used to treat gum disease. These techniques are used by medical professionals to restore tissues damaged by periodontal (gum) disease and lessen oral infection. These operations are often carried out by periodontists (gum experts). Nonetheless, regular dentists occasionally handle less severe cases of gum disease.

As plaque and tartar accumulate on the surfaces of your teeth, gum disease develops. The germs in these irritants cause your gums to swell, get red, and become sensitive. Also, when you brush or floss, your gums can bleed.

Your chances of maintaining good dental health in the long run are higher the earlier you treat gum disease. Gum disease is treatable in its early stages (gingivitis). But, periodontitis’ latter phases harm your gums and the bone beneath them. This causes gaps, or periodontal pockets, surrounding your teeth, which can spread the infection, cause your teeth to become loose, or even cause tooth loss.

Nonsurgical Vs. Surgical Gum Disease Treatments?

Many variables, such as the following, will determine whether you require surgery or nonsurgical gum disease treatment:

• The gum disease’s stage.

• The state of your oral health.

• Your current state of health.

• Your capacity to adhere to oral hygiene recommendations after therapy.

There are both nonsurgical and surgical methods for treating gum disease. In addition, many periodontists offer sedation dentistry to make you comfortable throughout your procedure.

NON-SURGICAL TREATMENTS FOR GUM DISEASE

Nonsurgical treatments are beneficial for people with early-stage gum disease, like as gingivitis or moderate periodontitis. Gum disease nonsurgical therapies include:

Dental Prophylaxis

Dental prophylaxis is a regular dental cleaning, similar to the two-yearly appointment that many individuals have with their hygienist. A dentist cleans the surfaces of your teeth of plaque and tartar during this process.

Gingivitis, the initial stage of gum disease, may frequently be treated with professional dental cleanings and better at-home oral care. You could require more frequent cleanings with your dentist or hygienist depending on your particular condition if you want to keep dangerous germs at bay.

Root Scaling And Planning

A thorough dental cleaning called scaling and root planning goes well beyond the gum line to remove plaque and tartar from the root surfaces. Your dental hygienist or periodontist will thoroughly clean your teeth and smooth down any rough places on the roots of your teeth. This lessens the chance of germs and plaque reattaching. In order to make you comfortable and numb your gums throughout this treatment, your periodontist will provide local anesthetic.

Antibiotic Treatment

Antibiotics may be used by your periodontist, either alone or in conjunction with other treatments. Antibiotics like minocycline HCl (Arestin®) and chlorhexidine (PerioChip®) are frequently used to treat gum disease. These drugs can be inserted by your periodontist in the region around your teeth and gums (the periodontal pocket).

Periodontal Laser Treatments

Your periodontist will perform this surgery to remove damaged tissue and eliminate germs under your gums. In rare circumstances, medical professionals advise laser treatment instead of conventional gum surgery. Laser treatment doesn’t need any incisions or stitches, in contrast to conventional gum surgery.

SURGICAL GUM DISEASE TREATMENTS

Periodontal disease that is mild to advanced typically calls for surgical intervention. Gum disease surgical treatments consist of:

Pocket Reduction Surgery (Flap Surgery)

Your periodontist will make incisions along your gum line and then transfer your gums temporarily away from your teeth during this treatment. They are able to view the roots underneath because of this. The tartar accumulation will then be removed, and your root surfaces will be cleaned. In other cases, they could reshape and smooth out broken bone to make it more difficult for germs to grow and hide. Your gums will then be moved back into place and stitched into position.

A Bone Transplant

In order to repair gum disease-damaged regions, dental bone grafts can be performed using synthetic bone, donated bone, or even your own bone. As a kind of scaffolding, the graft holds the area in place until your body can produce new bone. Bone grafting is a common procedure combined with pocket reduction surgery that periodontists undertake.

A Gum Graft

Gum recession can be treated by a gum transplant using either your own tissue, donated tissue, or artificial tissue (when your gums pull away from your teeth). A typical sign of periodontal disease is gum recession.

Your periodontist performs gum grafting surgery, inserting the tissue graft and stitching it into place where your gums have receded. They will remove the graft from the roof of your mouth if they want to utilize your own tissue.

Tissue Regeneration With Guidance

Gaps that develop between your tooth root and bone can be brought on by periodontal disease. Your periodontist will apply a barrier to the injured area during guided tissue regeneration to prevent your gum tissue from developing where the bone should be. This allows the bone surrounding your tooth to regenerate. To aid in this process, periodontists frequently implant a bone graft concurrently with the operation.

What Potential Advantages May Gum Disease Therapy Have?

Treatment of gum disease has more benefits than drawbacks. When gum disease is not addressed, a vicious cycle of infection, bone loss, and eventual tooth loss results. With quick care, you can:

• Get rid of harmful microorganisms in your mouth.

• Prevent jaw bone deterioration.

• Remove foul breath (halitosis).

• Possess healthier, non-red, non-swollen, non-tender gums.

• Lower your risk of heart disease, stroke, and a variety of other illnesses.

What Are The Dangers Or Side Effects Of Treating Periodontal Disease?

After therapy for gum disease, potential side effects include:

• Blood loss.

• Illness.

• Pain following therapy.

• Sensitivity of teeth.

• Recession in gums.

Call your periodontist if you experience any of these issues. To help with these adverse effects, they may prescribe drugs or suggest therapy.