Why do we have gums? Their function is to support and anchor the teeth.
So, taking care of your gums daily is as important as brushing your teeth. Once they have receded, they cannot grow back.
Dealing with a gum infection or any related disease can be pretty terrifying, especially when it comes to treatment.
When a dentist talks about "periodontal therapy," most people think it means they need surgery.
However, non-surgical gum treatments are available.
Surgery is typically considered a last resort when non-surgical treatments have been tried and did not work.
If caught early, most cases of gum disease can be treated without surgery. However, in more advanced cases, surgical treatment may be necessary.
The non-surgical treatment removes plaque and calculus by controlling the growth of harmful bacteria and treating conditions that encourage gum disease. This treatment may be all that’s needed, especially when periodontal disease is treated early.
The treatment program typically includes two types of appointments: active therapy appointments and a re-evaluation appointment.
During active therapy appointments, dentists will measure your gums to assess the extent of the disease.
They will then clean and smooth the roots of your teeth to promote healing.
Additionally, they will use irrigation to fight off any harmful bacteria. Finally, the dentist will provide instructions on caring for your teeth at home to help you regain and maintain good oral health.
Later, about a month after your final active therapy appointment, you can schedule a re-evaluation appointment.
This appointment allows your dentist to measure your improvement, identify any remaining issues, and discuss the best options for maintaining your gum health in the future.
When starting your nonsurgical treatments, your oral care provider will implement the most common procedures and treatment schemes to ensure you have the best approach possible.
This way, in future appointments, the gum will be healing.
Non-surgical gum treatment involves a thorough cleaning known as scaling and root planing.
Scaling is a cleaning that removes plaque and calculus from the teeth at and just below the gumline.
Planing smooths root surfaces so the supportive tissues can better reattach to the tooth surface.
And don't worry; this procedure is often done with local anesthesia, so you don’t feel discomfort.
Scaling and root planning is done to reduce inflammation in the gums.
If some areas don't improve with scaling and root planing, they may need additional treatment later on.
Be aware that sometimes multiple appointments are needed to finish this treatment.
Bacteria cause periodontal disease.
To control or get rid of it, we need to attack those microorganisms directly.
Along with scaling and root planing, your dentist might suggest taking antibiotics in pills or applying antibiotic powder directly to the infected gum pocket.
If you notice anything unusual on your gums or teeth, you need to see a dentist as soon as possible.
Gum disease can be mild or severe. If we catch it early, we usually only need non-invasive treatment methods.
But in the end, the choice between non-surgical treatment and surgery depends on your specific situation.
Periodontal disease is when your gums and the bone supporting your teeth get inflamed and infected.
Healthy gums are firm and do not bleed or swell.
It could be a sign of gum disease if your gums are discolored (reddish or purplish), swollen, or bleeding.
If left untreated, gum disease can lead to the destruction of the jawbone and potential tooth loss.
Treatments like dental crowns and dental implants are required when a tooth is lost.
Early treatment for gum disease will help prevent tooth loss and any other harm.
There are four stages of gum disease; the early ones are:
In most cases, you can avoid gum disease by consistently and properly taking care of your teeth and gums.
Some people are more likely to get gum disease because of genetics or other health conditions.
If this applies to you, you should have your teeth cleaned more often by a dental hygienist.
We recommend the following tips to help reduce your risk of gum disease:
Gum disease carries many risks you don't want to meet, and neither do your family members.
The best way to ensure a non-surgical treatment and prevent the consequences of severe periodontal diseases is to take your oral care seriously.
However, remember to schedule regular visits to your dental clinic.
At Yonge & Seven Dental Care, we prioritize your smile both inside and outside of our clinic.
Start your preventive dental care plan with us here.
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