Periodontal therapy is an umbrella phrase for a variety of treatments that you may need to undergo if you have gum disease. These treatments are essential for restoring the condition of your teeth and gums and preventing tooth loss. At Gardens Dental Spa, gum disease can be treated surgically or non-surgically. Your best decision will depend on your situation, but the least invasive methods are chosen wherever possible.
Gum Disease
Gum or periodontal disease is an infection of the gum tissues and bone supporting your teeth. It ranges from mild to severe and can cause many complications. The bacteria that cause poor oral health can infect the gum tissues causing inflammation. This can result in bleeding when brushing or flossing and soreness and redness in the gums. When left untreated, it can cause tooth loss due to bone loss.
In the earliest stages of gum disease, known as gingivitis, the infection can be reversed with daily oral care, such as brushing twice daily, flossing at least once daily, and visiting our dentist at Gardens Dental Spa, every six months for professional cleanings. Not removed plaque will harden into tartar, which is difficult to remove at home with a toothbrush. Once plaque and tartar build up on the teeth, it can result in gum irritation. This can lead to swelling, bleeding, and tissue receding from the tooth surface. At this point, a deep cleaning is needed to remove the buildup and restore the health of the gum line. If the untreated condition worsens, resulting in more severe consequences.
The supporting bone structure under the gums will be lost if periodontitis is present. This can loosen the teeth causing them to become weak and fall out. Patients with this condition need to be treated immediately to prevent tooth loss. Our dentist may recommend more frequent visits throughout treatment to ensure the disease does not become more severe. Treatment of periodontitis depends on the severity. Mild cases may be treated with improved home care, scaling, and root planing. More severe cases may require surgical treatments such as gum surgery or extraction. Our dentist will review your options during your consultation and develop a treatment plan for you.
Advantages of Periodontal Therapy
Professional periodontal therapy is a procedure that should be done before other treatments, like dental crowns or gum disease treatment. This is because these procedures are more likely to be successful if your gums are healthy enough to support them. Your gums need time to heal and recover from their condition before you can properly proceed with restorative care. There are two main benefits of periodontal therapy: improvement to the health and appearance of your smile. By treating and improving the condition and health of your teeth and gums, our dentist can reduce your risk for further oral health problems. By addressing the infection in your gums, you will also improve your teeth' appearance.