Gum disease can go unnoticed since it may not hurt until it’s in advanced stages. But while this condition is quite common, you have probably not heard about how it is treated. If you are wondering if your dentist can treat gum disease, do not worry. Gum disease is treatable and a dentist who specializes in periodontics in Pleasantville, NY can effectively reverse this condition in its early stage or help manage the symptoms of gum disease in a more advanced stage. How the professional will treat gum disease depends on some factors such as the kind and severity of the condition. Keep reading to learn what to expect from your treatment:
Gum Disease Stages
Gingivitis and periodontitis are two forms of gum disease. Gingivitis is gum disease in the earliest stage. In this form, bacteria irritate the gums, causing inflammation and bleeding. When left untreated, gingivitis can become periodontitis, a more serious type of gum disease. In this form, the gums start to pull away from the teeth, letting bacteria attack the roots and the teeth’s supporting structures. When not treated promptly, periodontitis will result in tooth loss.
While periodontitis progresses, it goes through various stages. At the early stage, the gums recede and bleed easily during tooth brushing and flossing. Also, small pockets start to develop between the teeth and gums. In moderate periodontitis, such symptoms get worse and bone loss can start to make the teeth a bit loose. Also, tooth pain can be experienced at this stage. Advanced-stage periodontitis is characterized by extensive damage to the gums and the teeth’s supporting structures. As a result, they become painful and loose.
Treating Gingivitis
In general, gingivitis is easier to treat with a regular oral hygiene routine. Thus, you must brush your teeth twice a day or more for two minutes each time and floss at least once per day. Also, an antibacterial mouthwash must be used every day.
Treating Periodontitis
Surgical and non-surgical treatment options are available for periodontitis. In general, the dentist will begin treatment with a conservative option and consider surgical intervention if the gums need more help. Also, antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent complications such as an infection. Below are treatment options for periodontitis:
- Root scaling and planning. These non-surgical treatment options are usually used together. Root scaling is about deep cleaning the gums to clean bacteria from the tooth root’s surface. After cleaning the roots, root planning is performed to smoothen the surface, preventing bacterial growth. Also, planning allows the gums to reattach while they heal.
- Pocket reduction. This procedure is performed to get rid of the bacteria that infect the gums and roots of the teeth. The dentist will place the gums snugly against the teeth after them closing them back up to reduce the pocket size between the gums and teeth.
- Periodontal abscess treatment. Advanced periodontitis can be characterized by the development of abscesses. Periodontal abscesses are localized gum infections that look like red, swollen bumps on the gums. These bumps can be quite painful. To address the development, the dentist will drain the abscess and thoroughly clean the area. They will prescribe antibiotics to make sure the infection is handled properly.
- Gum grafts. This procedure helps the damaged gums recover from the damage. It works by taking gum tissue and placing it over the exposed roots of the tooth. It takes two weeks for the gums to heal completely. However, the result improves the gum line’s appearance, minimizes tooth sensitivity, and safeguards your tooth roots from decay.
Despite the prevalence of gum disease, remember that it should not be taken lightly. To prevent long-term effects on both your oral and overall health, gum disease must be diagnosed and treated as early as possible.
