Gum disease is a threat to your oral health, and research shows periodontal diseases is a risk factor for heart and lung diseases. If you need treatment, don’t wait!
Gum disease is caused by plaque and tartar (bacteria) build up. Over time, dental plaque will creep beneath the gum line, forming “pockets” between the teeth and gums. Gum disease gets worst as these pockets grow, and it starts to destroy the bone, greatly impairing your teeth as well.
Gum disease is common but fairly preventable. An estimated 80 percent of American adults currently have some form of this disease. Gum disease is a threat to your oral health, and research shows periodontal diseases is a risk factor for heart and lung diseases. Signs of gum disease is usually not detected until people are in their 30s and 40s. Although teenagers rarely develop periodontitis, they can develop gingivitis, the milder form of gum disease.
Depending on the extent of the gum disease, the number and types of treatment will vary. But the primary goal of treatment is to control the infection, and the earlier you treat gum disease the better chance you have of recovery because once gum tissue is lost, it doesn’t grow back! Below are some ways our dentist may treat gum disease:
Scaling is a non-surgical approach where dental plaque and tartar deposits on tooth and beneath the gums are removed by using an instrument called a scaler. Although it’s a common practice to manually scrape away deposits, at our Buford Dental Office we use state of the art ultrasonic dental cleaners, which use ultrasound vibrations to break up dental calculus. Root planning removes rough spots on the tooth root where the germs gather, and helps remove bacteria that contribute to the disease. This gum disease treatment helps gum tissues to heal and gum pockets to shrink, with the help of prescribed medications. Deep cleaning helps prevent gum disease from spreading, and it may be able to reverse the signs of gingivitis, which is the earliest stage of gum disease.
Surgery will be needed if gum disease is not cured by deep cleaning procedures and medications. We will refer you to a periodontist who may perform flap surgery to remove tartar deposits in deep pockets or to reduce the periodontal pocket and make it easier for the patient, dentist, and hygienist to keep the area clean. A bone and/or tissue grafting procedure may be needed if the disease has destroyed part of the bone and the existing gums are too diseased to sew back together.
Preventative care is necessary to keep gums healthy after the treatment is complete. Brushing and flossing daily will help fight the dental plaque that is constantly forming around teeth. Regular dental visits are also required to remove the dental calculus you’ve missed.
Is scaling and root planning procedure painful? Dental anesthesia is usually administered during the procedure to control sensitivity and pain. If necessary, a medication may be given to help you relax during the procedure, and we may prescribe something for post treatment discomfort as well. Most patients can return to their regular activities following the scaling procedure.
How can I prevent gum disease? Professional cleanings at least twice a year, proper oral hygiene (daily brushing and flossing), antibacterial mouth wash. Stop smoking and tobacco use. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, up to 30% of Americans may be genetically susceptible to gum disease. So you could be affected despite following good oral hygiene practices and other healthy lifestyle choices.
