What Are Some Gum Disease Treatments?
Often, when it comes to dental health, people overlook an equally important part of the oral cavity – the gums. Periodontal diseases, such as gingivitis and periodontitis, pose a serious health problem for both the oral cavity and the overall body. Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums, which manifests as swelling, redness, and bleeding when brushing. If left untreated, it can lead to periodontitis, an inflammation that also involves bone loss. This can lead to weakened tooth stability and increase the risk of tooth loss. So, what is the treatment for gum disease?
Periodontal disease treatment can be divided into three phases: oral hygiene, corrective procedures, and maintenance. During the first stage – oral hygiene – the periodontist removes tartar and plaque deposits. If these procedures are insufficient or if changes in the tissues supporting the tooth are advanced, surgical procedures may be necessary.
Non-surgical treatment of gum disease
Non-surgical approaches to treating gum disease are a key component of periodontal therapy, particularly in the early stages of the disease. These methods focus on eliminating bacterial plaque and preventing further progression with minimal surgical intervention.
Scaling and sandblasting
This is a basic procedure for removing tartar and plaque from the surface of teeth. Performed using specialized tools, it removes accumulated debris, which is the main cause of gingivitis.
Curettage
It involves thoroughly cleaning the tooth roots of bacteria and plaque using ultrasound or hand tools. This procedure allows for the removal of pathogenic organisms from areas difficult to reach with a toothbrush and dental floss.
Antiseptic rinses
Using mouthwashes containing antiseptics, such as chlorhexidine or tea tree oil, can help reduce the number of bacteria in the mouth and soothe gingivitis.
Oral hygiene instruction
A key element of non-surgical treatment is patient education on proper oral hygiene. Patients are taught proper brushing technique, flossing, and other oral hygiene tools so they can effectively care for their gums at home.
Regular check-ups
Constantly monitoring the health of your gums is crucial to preventing recurrence. Regular checkups allow for early detection of any problems and immediate appropriate treatment.
Non-surgical gum disease treatments are an effective and relatively minimally invasive way to manage these conditions, especially in their early stages. A combination of professional treatments and proper oral hygiene helps improve gum health and prevent complications related to periodontal disease.
Surgical treatment of gum disease
If non-surgical treatments are not healing your gums, surgical interventions might be used. Surgical procedures aim to:
- Provide access to the root surfaces of teeth;
- Eliminate inflammation;
- Control dental plaque by, for example, reducing the depth of pockets or correcting anatomical conditions;
- Regenerate the tissues of the gum tissue.
Surgical procedures are used in advanced cases of gum disease. They are performed to improve gum health, rebuild tissue, and restore oral function and aesthetics.
- Gingivectomy: Removal of excess gum tissue to improve hygiene and aesthetics.
- Gingioplasty: Modeling and shaping of the gums to improve their appearance and function.
- Flap surgery: Exposure of tooth roots by lifting a flap of gum tissue to remove tartar and plaque and smooth the root surfaces.
- Gum grafts: The transplantation of gum tissue into areas with defects or gum recession to rebuild and strengthen them.
- Osteoplasty and osteotomy: Correction of bone defects around teeth to restore stability and health of bone tissue.
In Conclusion
The treatment of gum disease must be handled by a dentist. There are a few stages of treatment, and only your dentist knows what is best for your particular case. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!