What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear about oral health problems? Most of you might instantly think of fractures, chips, or cavities that affect the visible part of your teeth, or the so-called crown. However, good oral health also depends on proper maintenance of the surrounding structures that support your teeth, known as periodontium. If these structures are compromised in any way, proper periodontal treatment is imperative.
The primary focus of periodontal care and treatment is to maintain these structures and treat all the diseases that might affect them. Working with a dentist who is an expert in periodontal care will help ensure that you will have the best and healthiest smile not just today but even in the many years to come.
The Basics of Periodontal Treatment
Periodontal treatment primarily focuses on the connective tissues and gums supporting the teeth together with the bone surrounding the roots of the teeth. These specialized structures also need specific care to prevent issues and address any diseases and other problems that may compromise the structure, stability, and overall health of your teeth.
Periodontal or Gum Disease
Periodontal or gum disease is the primary cause of tooth loss among adults. This takes place when the bacteria along the gums irritate the gum tissue, making the gums recede and move down to the surface of the tooth toward the roots. Once the bacteria grow in numbers, they can bring about infections that can loosen the roots of the tooth, eventually causing it to fall out.
Watch the video to find out what is gum disease or periodontal disease and how the dentist can help you treat it, to prevent the loss of teeth.
Special treatments are the main focus of periodontics to address gum disease. The goal of these treatments is to eliminate inflammation, infection, and bacteria while also promoting the restoration of healthier gums and the prevention of tooth loss. Aside from treatment of severe gum disease, proper periodontal treatments can also avert the progression of early gum disease.
Gum Surgery
Gum surgery also has an important role to play in managing certain types of gum disease. Gum grafting and flap surgery, for example, can restore recessed parts with healthy tissue to stop gum disease from getting worse.
Other types of gum surgery such as crown lengthening can treat a gummy smile. The process gets rid of excess gum tissue to create an improved symmetry between the gum and the tooth.
Planning and Scaling
Planing and scaling are deep-cleaning methods used for the treatment of gum disease in its earlier stages. During these treatments, special techniques and instruments are used to get under the gum line and eliminate inflamed tissue and bacteria.
Scaling and root planing, also known as a deep cleaning, is a non-surgical periodontal treatment for periodontal disease. It involves the removal of plaque and tartar that’s built up below the gum line and smoothes out the tooth root to prevent further bacterial growth.
The oral health expert will also smooth the surface of tooth roots to make it more difficult for the bacteria to settle in the future. Planing and scaling are done with the use of anesthetics to keep you comfortable and relaxed during the process.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are a famous alternative to bridges and dentures as replacements for one or a few missing teeth. Crafted just like natural teeth, dental implants feel and look more natural, not to mention that caring for them is also easier and simpler.
Dental implants feature a metal post that is implanted into the jaw to offer support to the crown or artificial tooth. Periodontal treatment includes special techniques used in dental implant placement surgery.
When Do You Need Periodontal Treatments?
Periodontitis is brought about by bacteria that release toxins that can attack the bone tissue and gums that support the teeth. When left untreated, periodontitis can cause severe consequences such as bone damage and tooth loss.
Periodontal treatments might be necessary if you’re experiencing symptoms including bad breath; loose or painful teeth; receding gums; red, bleeding, or swollen gums; and tooth sensitivity.
You may need a periodontal treatment if you’re experiencing swollen, red, or tender gums. Inflammation in the gums is a common sign of gum disease. Gums that bleed easily, especially while brushing or flossing, indicate a possible infection.
If you’re starting to experience any of the said symptoms, you might want to talk about these with your dentist. Your oral healthcare provider will work hand in hand with you to identify the most suitable course of action and suggest the necessary treatment.
Are Periodontal Treatments Worth It?
Periodontal treatments are worth it because these are effective ways to prevent the progression of the disease, helping promote healthier teeth and gums. Gum disease is a serious health condition known to cause long-lasting consequences. Treating this early on can save your gums and teeth from further damage.
The most popular treatment options include root planing and scaling which involve deep cleaning to get rid of the plaque both from below and above the gum line. The dentist may also prescribe oral rinses or antibiotics to cut down the number of bacteria in the mouth and avoid further infection.
If left untreated, gum disease can lead to severe consequences, including tooth loss and even bone damage. If you’re starting to experience any of the symptoms, talk about these with your dentist.
Looking after your gums and teeth at home is equally important as well. Daily brushing and flossing can prevent the spread of the infection.
The following are some of the benefits of these treatments:
Improved Oral Health
Proper treatment of gum disease can promote improved oral health to reduce the risk of incurring other dental issues.
Eliminate Bad Breath
Treatment of gum disease can help get rid of pesky bad breath so that you will feel more confident to flash your smile.
Prevent Tooth Loss
Gum disease treatment can also help prevent untimely tooth loss as it reduces the infection in the gums and promotes healthier gums and teeth.
Decrease Inflammation
Gum disease treatment can reduce inflammation. This is important to prevent most of the long-term health problems linked with gum disease.
Save More Money
Early treatment of gum disease can help you save money down the road. Late treatment of gum disease often requires more expensive and extensive treatments.
See a dentist if you are experiencing gum disease, to promote improved oral health and reduce the risk of incurring other dental issues.
Taking your time to invest in gum disease treatment is the best way to prioritize your oral health and keep you protected from long-term irreversible damage.
Signs and Symptoms of Gum Diseases and Periodontal Problems
Most of the time, gum disease doesn’t cause any symptoms during the early stages. There are also instances where it only causes easy-to-overlook mild symptoms. Infections and diseases can cause symptoms including bleeding gums, chronic bad breath, loose teeth, pain when chewing or biting, red or swollen gums, teeth sensitive to temperature, and toothache.
