How Effective Is The Periodontal Treatment?

Gum disease or periodontal disease is a leading oral concern among millions globally. Gum disease refers to the infection or inflammation of the gum tissues. It is primarily caused by plaque. When you don’t clean your teeth properly, food particles and other debris mix with the harmful bacteria in the mouth, forming plaque.

With time, plaque builds up and hardens to form tartar, a yellow-brown deposit that attaches to the teeth and along the gum line. These deposits can irritate the gums and cause infection in the gum tissues, leading to inflammation. At this level, even the most rigorous brushing and flossing won’t help. You need professional care from your dentist to get rid of the tartar and the infection.

Periodontal disease Treatment: Is it Effective?

In the early stages, gum disease is called gingivitis. Seeking the right treatments on time can help treat and reverse gingivitis. If left untreated, gingivitis progress to a more serious and irreversible stage known as periodontitis. The condition can only be treated but not reversed.

Similarly, untreated gum disease can increase your risk of severe health problems like heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and respiratory disease. For this reason, if you suspect you may have periodontal disease, it’s highly essential to seek the right treatments in time. Common symptoms to watch out for include:

• Pain when chewing
• Bad breath that doesn’t go away
• Red, sore, tender, and swollen gums
• Bleeding when brushing or eating
• Receding gums
• Sensitive teeth
• Loose teeth
• Suddenly sensitive teeth

Regular dental examinations and cleanings can help prevent and catch gum disease on time when treatment is usually easy, less costly, and most successful. Experts recommend having at least two dental checkups and cleanings every year.

If you have gum disease, your dentist will create a customized treatment plan to eliminate the symptoms and get your mouth healthy again. Typically, periodontal treatment includes three phases, including:

1. 1. The etiological phase

In this phase, the gum disease treatment focuses on controlling the infection and restoring the health of your gums. At this stage, the dentist will try to identify the underlying cause so they can address it.

During this phase, the dentist can perform procedures such as scaling and root planning to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth and gums. You can also be given topical or oral antibiotics to control the infection.

Your dentist will also educate you about proper dental care and habits to ensure excellent hygiene and health. You’re also required to stop smoking or using other tobacco products.

1. 1. The surgical phase

If the less invasive treatments aren’t effective, your dentist will recommend surgical procedures. This only happens when the gum pockets are too deep to clean. Surgical procedures for advanced periodontal disease include:

1. 1. • Flap Surgery. The surgeon makes tiny incisions in the gums to allow a section of the gum tissues to be lifted back. This will expose the roots to allow for a more extensive scaling and planning to get rid of trapped bacteria and plaque.
      • Soft tissue grafts. As the infection spread, you’ll lose gum tissues and cause your gum line to recede. Soft tissues can be removed from the roof of your mouth or other parts and attached to the affected gum tissues.
      • Bone grafting. If the infection has spread to the jawbone and tooth’s root, a bone graft can be performed. This helps prevent tooth loss and further deterioration of the jawbone.
      • Guided tissue regeneration. This procedure helps repair and rebuild the bone that the bacteria have destroyed.
      • Tissue-stimulating proteins. The treatment involves applying a gel with some proteins to the affected tooth root. This helps to stimulate the growth of healthy gum tissues and bones.
   2. The maintenance phase

As the name suggests, the maintenance phase focus on preventing the periodontal disease from returning. There’s always a high recurrence risk without careful maintenance. Your dentist will guide you through crucial oral hygiene practices and habits you must follow, including:

1. • Brush and floss daily
   • Use a mouthwash
   • Avoid tobacco products
   • Avoid alcoholic beverages
   • Avoid sugary or acidic items
   • Eat healthier and hydrate well
   • Schedule follow-up meetings every three months

Schedule an Appointment Today

Are you looking for periodontal treatment in Salem, MA? Contact Mass Bay Dental for more information.