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PERIODONTAL THERAPY
Many times, the early stages of periodontal disease are best treated with non-surgical periodontal therapy.
Even in severe cases, non-surgical periodontal therapy often precedes surgical therapy. This is done to improve the overall tissue quality prior to surgery and also to help limit the areas requiring surgery.
PERIODONTAL THERAPY
PERIODONTAL DISEASE TREATMENT
The word periodontal means “around the tooth”. Periodontal disease attacks the gums and the bone that support the teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria which turns into calculus (tartar) if not removed. When plaque and calculus are not removed, they begin to destroy the gums and bone. Periodontal disease is characterized by red, swollen, bleeding gums and bone loss.
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Most people are not aware of periodontal disease because the disease is usually painless in the early stages.
Not only can it cause tooth loss, but research also suggests that there may be a link between periodontal disease and other diseases such as stroke, bacterial pneumonia, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and increased risk during pregnancy. Smoking increases the risk of periodontal disease. Good oral hygiene, a balanced diet, and regular dental visits can help reduce your risk of developing periodontal disease.
Signs and symptoms of periodontal disease:
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Bleeding gums: Gums shouldn’t bleed when brushing or flossing.
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Loose teeth: Caused by bone loss or weakened periodontal fibers (fibers that support the tooth to the bone).
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New spacing between teeth: Caused by bone loss.
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Persistent bad breath: Caused by bacteria in the mouth.
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Pus around the teeth and gums: Sign that there is an infection present.
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Receding gums: Loss of bone and gum around the tooth.
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Red and puffy gums: Inflamed gum tissue.
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Tenderness or Discomfort: Plaque, calculus, and bacteria irritate the gums and teeth.
PERIODONTAL THERAPY
NON-SURGICAL AND SURGICAL GUM DISEASE TREATMENTS
Though the effects of gum disease sound (and are!) quite scary, fortunately, modern dentistry provides us with many treatment options that can halt progression. Gingivitis is typically easily reversed with a professional dental cleaning and good daily oral hygiene (brushing and flossing), but more advanced stages of gum disease require professional dental treatment. There are several surgical and non-surgical options that your dentist can recommend according to your specific case.
Scaling and Root Planing is typically the first step to treating periodontitis. It is a non-surgical process, known colloquially as a “deep cleaning.” Scaling removes plaque and tartar on your teeth both above and below the gum line. Root planing smooths the tooth-root surfaces, making the gums reattach to the teeth and heal. Scaling and root planing coupled with continuous periodontal maintence and good oral hygiene would halt the progression of the periodontal disease.
Surgical Treatments are necessary when scaling and root planing alone is not sufficient to treat the disease, usually in cases of advanced periodontitis. When scaling and root planing is done first, the amount of surgery required usually decreases. Surgical options can include: pocket reduction or flap surgery, gum or bone grafts.
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