Periodontal Gum Disease Treatment: Key To Good Oral Health

Periodontal gum disease treatment is necessary when bacteria badly infect your gums and teeth. Your dentist’s treatment can significantly reduce the risk of gum disease when bacteria spread in your mouth. 

How can I tell if I have periodontal gum disease?

As bacteria breed within the pockets of your gums, they can cause infection in the mouth and teeth area. Consequently, a severe gum infection called periodontitis occurs. In extreme cases, periodontitis can destroy the hard tissues and bones in your mouth, leading to the loss of teeth.     

You can best understand periodontitis by looking at its signs and symptoms. By becoming more aware of the early signs, you can visit your dentist sooner to prevent gum diseases.

A person with periodontitis will show some of these signs :

• Inflamed gums that bleed ( gingivitis)
• Experiencing pain while chewing
• Teeth with pus
• Loose, sensitive teeth
• Prolonged bad breath

Periodontal gum disease can develop when there is poor oral hygiene. When you do not brush your teeth or floss regularly, you most likely allow bacteria to grow in your mouth, leading to plaque and cavities. Aside from poor oral hygiene, hormonal changes, dental family history, and other illnesses can trigger gum diseases. 

What are your options for treating periodontal gum disease?

If you experience the signs of periodontal gum disease, you need not worry. The good news is your dentist can help you. Depending on the extent of your gum disease, your dentist will evaluate what treatment is suitable for you.

There are two categories under periodontal gum disease treatments: 

Surgical procedures

Your dentist uses them to treat severe cases of periodontal diseases. They will first deep clean your gums and teeth to make sure they are ready for surgery. Surgical procedures may include the following:

Flap surgery

The dentist lifts the gum of your teeth to remove the tartar deposits in the deep pockets. After removing the tartar, they will stitch the gums surrounding the infected teeth. 

Pocket reduction surgery

Pocket reduction surgery involves removing bacteria by folding back gum tissue. Moreover, the dentist reshapes and smoothens the bones to allow gum tissues to reattach to them.

Bone Grafting

To restore bone in the area surrounding the root, your dentist may recommend bone grafts. Grafting replaces damaged bone with new bone that will support the tooth’s growth.

Non-invasive procedures

As part of the treatment for early signs of periodontitis, your dentist performs non-invasive procedures. In this way, periodontitis does not progress to a more severe state. Here are the examples of non-invasive procedures : 

Scaling 

Scaling involves cleaning the pockets behind your gums where bacteria reside. During a routine cleaning, the dentist uses a laser or manual scaler to remove the bacteria and prevent them from growing.

Root planing

As part of the root planning process, your dentist uses ultrasonic instruments to remove plaque. The vibration will crush the plaque, and your dentist will clean any debris with a curette to ensure there is none left. 

Applying antibiotic

The dentist will clean the infected area of your teeth and apply an antibiotic to disinfect your teeth. After your appointment, you will soon observe that your gums have reattached to your teeth. 

Takeaway

Periodontal gum disease causes tooth loss. The type of periodontal gum disease treatment depends on the severity and your age. If you think you might have periodontal gum disease, it’s essential to visit your dentist as soon as possible. Make an appointment with your dentist in Toronto to get a checkup and treatment for periodontal disease. Never forget, your smile is a priceless asset!