Periodontal disease is a persistent inflammatory condition that affects not only the gums but also the supporting structures of the teeth. It can progress from gingivitis, a mild and reversible form, to periodontitis. If periodontitis is not treated, it can often lead to tooth loss. The severity of the disease will determine the type of treatment needed. Treatment will help to control infection, stop disease progression, and preserve oral health.
Non‑Surgical Treatments
Non-surgical treatments are usually effective if the dentist detects periodontal disease in the early stages.
- Professional Dental Cleaning: A routine dental cleaning can remove plaque and tartar from above the gumline if you have been diagnosed with gingivitis. This helps reduce inflammation and allows the gums to heal.
- Medications: Medications might be added to your treatment alongside your professional cleaning. Antimicrobial mouth rinses, oral antibiotics, or localized antibiotic gels may be prescribed to control bacterial infection and reduce inflammation.
- Scaling and Root Planing: Scaling removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline, while root planing smooths the tooth roots to help gums reattach and reduce bacterial buildup. This type of deep cleaning procedure is often used when periodontal disease is moving from mild to moderate.
Surgical Treatments
When periodontal disease is advanced, and non‑surgical methods are not an option anymore, surgical treatment may be required.
- Pocket Reduction Surgery Flap (Flap Surgery): The gums are cut and gently separated from the teeth to allow deep cleaning of the roots. The gums are then placed in the proper position to reduce periodontal pockets, making them easier to keep clean.
- Bone Grafting: Bone grafts, natural or synthetic, are used if periodontal disease has destroyed the bone supporting the teeth. This procedure can help regenerate lost bone and stabilize teeth.
- Guided Tissue Regeneration: To allow the desired tissue to grow, a barrier is placed between the bone and gum tissue. This procedure encourages the regrowth of bone and tissue to rebuild a stable foundation for teeth.
- Soft Tissue Grafts: Gum recession is common in periodontitis. Soft tissue grafts use tissue from another area of the mouth to cover exposed roots, improve aesthetics, and reduce sensitivity.
Periodontal disease cannot be fully cured, but it can be successfully managed with long-term management. You will need dental cleaning every 3-4 months instead of every 6 months. Those will be very important to prevent recurrence. Continue to brush at home daily, floss, and use mouthwash to help control plaque buildup. To continue your treatment success, you should improve your nutrition, manage health conditions such as diabetes, and if you are a smoker, you should stop.
Reach out for support
Early diagnosis, clinical intervention, and long-term maintenance are necessary for effective treatment of periodontal disease. Visit your dentist on a regular basis to prevent gum disease. Visits every six months, and X-rays once a year will provide a clear picture of your dental health. If you have any questions or concerns, we are here to help. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with our office for an appointment.
Related Article: Symptoms of Periodontal Disease