Periodontal Therapy 101: Everything You Need to Know
Gum disease is a common dental problem affecting mostly adults. The primary cause of gum infection is bacteria that multiply due to poor dental hygiene. The problem with gum disease is that it develops silently and does not cause any obvious symptoms. But, as the disease progresses, you will begin to see gum recession, pain, and tender gums. The only sure way of getting ahead of gum disease is to get a regular dental assessment.
How Does the Gum Disease Develop?
When you have poor brushing techniques or hygiene practices, plaques can accumulate in the gum line. As it builds up, the plaques can harden and form tartar, which carries bacteria and affect the gums. This will cause gum inflammation, the first stage of the disease. Gingivitis is reversible if detected early and the periodontal treatment started early.
If the infection is not addressed on time, it can spread and develop to periodontitis. As the gum disease advances, you will begin to experience:
- Bright red or purplish gums
- Swollen and puffy gums
- Gum bleeding
- Bad breath
- Pus between the gums and teeth
- Pain when chewing food
- Loose teeth or teeth that don’t fit together
- Receding gums
The good news is that gum disease is treatable with periodontal therapy in Whitby, ON. Periodontal therapy refers to the various treatments that are involved in treating gum disease. The treatments include:
1.Non-Surgical Treatments
According to the AAP or the American Association of the Periodontology guidelines, gum disease should be treated with the least invasive procedure, which is often non-surgical treatment.
The common treatments in this category include:
- Deep Cleaning
Professional deep cleaning is recommended in the early stages of gum disease. The dentist will clean the gums to remove tartar buildup from the gum line and underneath.
- Root planing
If you have gum pockets, which is common as gum disease advances. The dentist will use the dental instruments to cut the gums and reattach them to the tooth surface to reduce the pockets.
These non-surgical treatments are limited if the disease is advanced. In this case, the dentist will recommend surgical procedures to treat the infection.
2.Pocket reduction
This is a surgical procedure used to treat deep gum pockets. The dentist will begin the procedure by measuring the pockets. Next, he will fold up the gums to remove the disease-causing bacteria. The irregular parts of the bone are smoothened to limit the places where bacteria can hide. This will allow the gum tissue to stick to the surface of the teeth.
The dentist will then reattach the gum tissues in the teeth to reduce the gums and cover the areas where the gums can hide.
3.Regenerative procedures
Gum disease can cause tissue and bone loss and will need regenerative procedures to stimulate new tissue and bone growth.
- Tissue graft
Loss of tissues in the gums is what causes the gums to recede. To counter the effects of gums recession, the dentist may perform tissue grafting. This process involves taking a small amount of tissue from your palate and attaching it to the affected place. This will stimulate new tissue growth and restore the gums to the normal size.
- Bone grafting
Periodontal disease affects the alveolar bone, which supports the teeth. The deterioration of the bone may cause the teeth to weaken. A bone graft is done to stimulate the growth of new bone. The dentist will take granules from your hip bone or cadaver (do not worry they are treated and sterilized) and attach them to the bone. This will promote new bone growth and restore your bone support.
- Guided tissue regeneration
This is also done to stimulate new bone and tissue growth. The dentist will place a biocompatible material between your teeth and existing bone.
How to Prevent Gum Disease?
Gum disease is preventable with proper hygiene practices. It is also important to visit the dentist regularly for assessment and cleaning. The dentist will remove plaques and tartar buildup, which helps in preventing gum disease.
Schedule an Appointment
Visit Brooklin Village Dental Care for more information on periodontal therapy.