Every healthy and happy smile is supported by equally healthy gums. But what happens when you have to seek gum disease treatment or are at risk of periodontal disease? You need your teeth to last a lifetime!
Periodontal therapy is much more comprehensive than normal dental cleaning, and it can help preserve your teeth and gums, as well as your smile.
What Is Periodontitis?
Periodontitis is a progressive gum disease or infection that can damage the soft tissue of the gums as well as the bone surrounding the tooth. It is often caused due to poor oral hygiene and develops as plaque is ignored.
Plaque that is never properly brushed off will eventually become tartar which must be removed by a dental hygienist. Gingivitis is the least severe form of periodontitis which is when the gums become inflamed.
Untreated gingivitis can cause a periodontal pocket. As time progresses and the inflammation is untreated, the infection becomes worse, and the pocket depth increases, resulting in periodontitis. [1]
According to the MayoClinic, symptoms of periodontitis include: [2]
- Gums that are puffy or swollen
- Discolored gums (purple, bright red, dull red)
- Tender gums
- Gums that bleed easily
- Bloody or pink toothbrush after brushing
- Consistent bad breath
- Finding pus between your teeth and gums
- Loose teeth or tooth loss
- Painful chewing
- Teeth spreading out creating new spaces between teeth
- Receding gum line
- Changes to how your bite feels
Why Should It Be Treated?
If left untreated, periodontal disease could lead to loose teeth. If enough tissue destruction has occurred, the tooth could be lost entirely. Gum disease is an infection, and infections can spread to other parts of your mouth or body, causing further health complications.
When Should You Get Periodontal Therapy?
Of course, every patient’s symptoms and needs will differ, but in most cases, you should seek periodontal therapy if you’re experiencing any of the following concerns.
Early Signs of Infection
If you’re seeing the early signs of periodontal infection start to take place, seek an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. They will set up a periodontal therapy course of action as well as home care routines.
Tartar Buildup
As noted above, periodontal disease can develop due to untreated tartar buildup, which leads to gingivitis. How it presents may differ in the different parts of your mouth. In any case, tartar removal requires professional care.
The Different Stages and Steps of Periodontal Therapy and Gum Disease Treatment
Non-surgical procedures that are part of periodontal therapy are effective at preventing the spread of gum disease.
Scaling and Root Planing
According to a study published by the Journal of American Dental Association, 47.2% of adults over 30 years old are affected by chronic periodontitis. That same study also found that scaling and root planing were beneficial to patients with this condition. [3]
Scaling is a simple procedure that gently removes plaque and tartar buildup from the tooth below the gum line.
Root planing is performed similarly, but the object is to gently smooth the tooth’s surface to eradicate any stubborn bacteria or periodontal pockets. This will also allow loose gums to heal and easily reattach.
Antibiotics
In order to reduce the number of bacteria living in your mouth, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics. In most cases, these come in either as topical applications applied directly to the site or as an oral prescription.
These measures are often not enough to cure gum disease on their own, and other more comprehensive therapies may be required.
At-Home Routine Care
Your dentist will prescribe a home routine that will help you protect your newly clean teeth to prevent further buildup and infection. They may also recommend a specific toothpaste or toothbrush.
A Referral to a Periodontist (Gum Specialist)
In more advanced cases of periodontitis, your general dentist may refer you to a periodontist for further care.
Call Empire Dental Care For Gum Disease Treatment!
At Empire Dental Care, we promote gentle dental care. These periodontal therapies are highly effective solutions for early gum disease treatment. Call our offices today at 585-671-1650 to schedule a consultation.
Sources:
[1] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/periodontitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354473
[2] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/periodontitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354473
[3] https://jada.ada.org/article/S0002-8177%2815%2900346-3/fulltext
