What Is Periodontal Treatment And When Do I Need It

Periodontal disease refers to the infection and inflammation of the tissues surrounding teeth. It affects the gums, ligaments, and bones that support the teeth. The infection is caused by poor oral hygiene, genetics, or other health conditions that affect the immune system.

People at a higher risk of periodontal disease include those who smoke or have diabetes. Others use medications that lower saliva production leading to dry mouth. When you do not clean your mouth correctly and regularly, oral bacteria form plaque on the teeth and tongue.

The plaque builds up and hardens to tartar which spreads below the gum line leading to infection. In response, the immune system launches a reaction to the disease. It starts destroying the connective tissue and jawbones with help from the bacteria.

Most people think it is customary to notice some blood on the sink when brushing teeth. They, therefore, ignore these early symptoms of gum disease. As a result, the infection spreads into the ligaments and surrounding bones. Continue reading to find out why you need periodontal disease treatment.

Why Is Periodontal Treatment Necessary?

Periodontal disease or periodontosis is progressive. It is known as gingivitis in the early stages and is easily treated and reversed. However, gum disease in its advanced stage cannot be reversed. It eventually leads to tooth loss increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other health issues.

Infected gum treatment is necessary since it prevents tooth loss. It helps you avoid unpleasant symptoms. When left untreated, bacteria that cause the infection enter the bloodstream. It, therefore, affects the body’s organs. As a result, your lungs, heart, kidneys, and liver are affected, resulting in serious health problems. So, treatment protects your general health.

Symptoms of Periodontosis

The following symptoms are indications of periodontosis requiring periodontal disease treatment:

• Bright red and swollen gums painful when touched
• Bad breathe and taste that does not go away after brushing.
• Teeth sensitivity
• Tender and bleeding gums
• Loose teeth
• Extra spaces or pockets appear between teeth and gums.
• Pus in the teeth and gums surrounding teeth
• Change in your bite(the way your upper and lower teeth come together when you close your mouth changes)
• Receding gums making teeth appear longer)

Treatment Options

Periodontal therapy involves various treatments depending on the severity of the disease. They include:

• Surgical treatment

Your dentist may recommend flap surgery, guided tissue regeneration, or bone and soft tissue grafting. During flap surgery, the periodontist lifts back the infected gums. They remove the tartar deposits and bacteria in the pockets. The gums are then sutured to fit closely into the teeth. This keeps away infection-causing bacteria and improves your appearance.

Bone grafting involves replacing bones in areas of the mouth that have experienced bone loss. This treatment encourages bone regeneration so, stabilizing the affected teeth. Soft tissue grafting is a similar procedure but involves the gums. The tissue is taken from the roof mouth and sutured in the areas of gum recession.

The dentist performs guided tissue regeneration when the bone that supports your teeth is destroyed. It is done to prevent gum tissue from growing in the area where the bone ought to be. The procedure helps the connective tissue and bone to re-grow and support the affected teeth better.

• Non-surgical treatment

Some infected gum treatments do not involve surgery. Instead, your dentist will carry out a professional dental cleaning for the initial stages of gum disease. The procedure removes plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line.

Scaling and root planning are also non-surgical treatments for periodontal disease. First, the dentist scraps plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line. Next, the expert smoothes rough spots on teeth to eliminate bacteria. The even surfaces also allow the gums to reattach to your teeth easily. This procedure is invasive and therefore done under a local anesthetic.

Prevention: Stop before It Starts

You can prevent periodontitis by flossing and brushing your teeth properly daily. Regular dental exams and cleanings at The Art of Dentistry will also help prevent the disease. The highly trained dental team will remove plaque and tartar in hard-to-reach places. In addition, patients who smoke should consider quitting since they are at risk of periodontitis.