Periodontal disease, more commonly known as gum disease, is an oral health condition affecting the gum tissue. Many people have early stage gum disease, called gingivitis, without realizing it. But as the disease progresses it can become a serious problem that threatens not only your oral health, but your general health and wellness.
How is periodontal disease treated? Here’s what you need to know to understand what it takes to battle this condition.
What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection of the gum tissue caused by a buildup of plaque and calculus on the teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of food residue and bacteria that clings to the teeth. When it is not brushed away or removed by professional dental cleanings, it hardens into calculus. Calculus is not only harder to remove, it also contains mature bacteria that are more likely to infect the gum tissue.
Symptoms of Periodontal Disease
Early stage periodontal disease may include any of the following symptoms:
- Red, swollen gums
- Bleeding gums
- Tender gums
Advanced stage periodontal disease may cause more severe symptoms:
- Receding gums (gums pulling away from the teeth)
- Abscesses (raised bumps on the gum tissue filled with pus)
- Loose teeth
- Teeth falling out
Treatment for Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease can be treated, especially in the early stages. Treatment options include:
- Deep cleaning. A deep cleaning of the teeth is the first step in gum disease treatment. Scaling and root planing are procedures that treat the roots of the teeth under the gums. Scaling is the process of removing plaque and calculus from the roots. Root planing is the process of smoothing the surface of the roots so that the gums can reattach more firmly without leaving gaps for plaque to invade.
- Periodontal maintenance. You may need additional deep cleanings on a more frequent schedule, such as every 3 months to keep gum disease under control.
Repairing Damage From Periodontal Disease
Advanced stage gum disease can cause damage and have long term effects. The following procedures repair damage caused by gum disease:
- Gum recession treatment. Gum grafting and other advanced techniques can replace lost gum tissue caused by gum disease and prevent further recession.
- Periodontal surgery. Otherwise known as pocket reduction surgery, this procedure repairs damage to the jaw bone caused by gum disease, minimizing the space between the teeth and jaw where plaque can gather.
- Bone regeneration. Techniques such as bone grafting procedures can encourage regeneration of lost bone tissue due to gum disease. Bone grafting may be applied to prepare the jaw for the placement of dental implants to replace missing teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions About Periodontal Disease Treatment
Does a deep cleaning hurt?
When a deep cleaning is needed, local anesthesia is used to prevent any discomfort as the gum tissue is pulled away from the teeth.
How long does it take to treat gum disease?
Treatment for gum disease varies in terms of how long the procedure takes and how soon your oral health improves. It also depends on the severity of your gum disease.
Why See a Periodontist for Gum Disease Treatment?
A periodontist specializes in treating the support structures for the teeth, including the gums. If you have advanced stage gum disease, Progressive Periodontics & Implant Dentistry provides a wide range of procedures to treat gum disease and repair the residual damage to keep it under control.
To learn more, contact us today and schedule an appointment.