What Does a Periodontal Gum Disease Treatment Usually Entail?

The truth about developing gum disease is that it is a 50/50 chance, and some are at a higher risk than others. Through man years of dental innovation, the success rate for periodontal treatments is high and continues to grow. When an infection in the gums, called gingivitis, is left untreated, the inflammation can spread. This causes teeth to begin to loosen due to tartar and plaque getting trapped between the teeth and gums. Early gingivitis usually does not cause pain but can be identified by bleeding gums, and more advanced stages can be seen through receded gums and teeth loosening.

Scaling and Root Planing

The primary treatment for gum disease involves a treatment called scaling and root planing. This deep cleaning procedure is done over several visits with each a few weeks apart. In some cases, with sedation dentistry, it can be accomplished in one visit.

During scaling, instruments are used to remove the plague and tartar built up under the gum line. Afterward, root planing is used to smooth the rough spots on the roots where bacteria easily builds up. This also assists with the process of the gum reattaching to the tooth.

Surgical Procedures

Surgery can also be used for more advanced cases. In addition to providing better access to enable a better cleaning of the area, surgery also allows for the repositioning and reshaping of bones, the gum, and other tissues. Depending on the specific diagnosis, the type of surgery can vary and will have to be determined by a specialist, which is why you need a surgical specialist for cases of advanced gum disease.

As technology advances, the success rate for all procedures continues to climb, but are also most effective early on. Don’t wait until that small issue gets worse before calling us.