If your dentist recently informed you that you have gum disease, you are not alone. Also referred to as periodontitis, this condition impacts millions of Americans. While periodontal diseases were previously linked to older persons, more younger persons are diagnosed with this issue today. If left untreated, Dr. Jeremy K. Ueno emphasizes that gum disease can result in tooth loss. Luckily, advancements in dentistry provide patients with many effective periodontitis therapy alternatives, which can ensure you preserve your natural teeth. Continue reading to explore these treatment options.
Non-surgical Therapy
The initial stage in periodontal disease care is scaling and root planing, which is a conservative, non-invasive procedure (SRP). Your dental hygienist or dentist will administer this therapy by scraping any plaque and tartar from your root and teeth surfaces. Your provider removes any roughness from your teeth’s roots to keep bacteria from re-accumulating.
Pocket Reduction
If you got advanced periodontitis, you would likely be concerned about how to wash your teeth and correct loose teeth caused by periodontitis. With loosely-fitting gum tissue around your tooth following scaling and planing, cleaning the deep pocket region of the gums can become difficult. In this case, you may be eligible for flap surgery or a pocket reduction procedure.
With these procedures, your dentist pulls back your gum tissue to eliminate pathogenic microorganisms and smooth regions of damaged bone. The gum tissue will reconnect to healthy bone.
Gum Grafts
If you got uncovered roots because of gum disease-induced gum recession, gum grafts could conceal them. Your dentist will obtain gum tissue from your mouth or another source and utilize it as a shield for your teeth’s roots. Protecting uncovered roots decreases sensitivity, safeguards roots from decay, and halts gum recession and further bone loss.
Laser Therapy
Lasers have transformed numerous fields, and dental care is no different. While laser periodontal treatments are in early development, this technology demonstrates desirable benefits for eligible candidates. The potential benefits include the laser’s pinpoint accuracy, faster recovery time, and reduced invasiveness. Nonetheless, it is important to talk to a dental specialist before considering oral laser therapy to understand your potential benefits and risks.
Clearing Periodontal Abscess
Occasionally, periodontal abscesses can result from advanced periodontitis. A periodontal abscess presents on the gum line as a swollen, red sore. The earlier an abscess is treated, the better! Thus, if you experience sudden, severe discomfort in your gums, you should visit a dentist immediately. Your dentist will address your condition by emptying the abscess and thoroughly cleaning the region. If necessary, your doctor could also prescribe antibiotics to prevent infections.
Regenerative Treatments
Bone grafting is a surgical treatment that stimulates bone development in areas where periodontal disease has weakened bone. Throughout this procedure, your dentist will remove any bacteria and then put either artificial or natural bone in the region of bone loss. Incorporating tissue-stimulating proteins into this technique will also aid in the regeneration of tissue and tissue.
When dealing with gum disease, prevention is always better than cure! Your periodontist may suggest incorporating healthy lifestyle behaviors such as initiating a comprehensive daily dental hygiene routine, limiting sugar intake, and more. However, despite your best efforts, gum infections will occasionally develop, so you should always keep up with your dental checkups for exams and dental care consultations. If your doctor identifies any alarming concerns, they will take the best treatment measures based on your condition’s severity. Contact your dental specialist to discuss your concerns and explore your care options.