5 Ways To Treat Periodontal Disease
What is Periodontal or Gum Disease?
Periodontal disease is an infection that leads to inflammation and swelling in the tissues surrounding the gums. These pockets become infected and are a breeding ground for other agents of gum disease. It can also lead to other infections like chronic periodontitis.
Gum disease is not just an oral issue; it also affects your body as it can spread to the arteries or bones in your teeth. In severe cases, it may even cause heart attacks or strokes.
The first time you notice your gums are sore or bleed easily is a sign that gum disease may be starting. In the early stages, you will notice yellow-brown plaque buildup in the back of your mouth. If left untreated, it can lead to bad breath, swollen glands near your jawline, and a greater risk for heart attack or stroke.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Gum Infection
When you have a gum infection, there are several symptoms that you can look out for, such as:
- Pain. The pain is typically worse when chewing on one side of the mouth
- Swelling. If the swelling extends past your cheeks into your face, it could cause difficulty breathing.
- Gums or teeth turning black
What Are the Benefits of Periodontal Treatment?
There are many different types of periodontal treatment that a patient can choose from. They range from non-surgical to surgical treatments and have varying success rates.
The benefits of periodontal disease treatment include a healthy mouth, better oral health, and even mental health. Periodontal treatment can prevent tooth loss and other serious complications in the future. It can also help prevent the inflammation of gums that can lead to rheumatoid arthritis in some patients.
What Are the Periodontal Treatment Types?
There are five gum disease treatments that the dentist in 53719 and they include:
- Scaling and Root Planing
Root planing and scaling is a treatment that can be done to reduce the need for gum treatments. It is typically performed in the first stages of periodontal disease.
Root planing refers to removing the excess tissue from below your gums that hold bacteria that cause periodontitis. Scaling removes deposits of calculus (tartar) from below your gums, which can result in decreased bleeding after cleaning by a dental professional
- Medications or Antibiotics
Gum disease is a condition of inflammation in and around your teeth and gums that can lead to serious health problems like heart disease or diabetes. When it comes to treating gum disease, antibiotics should be used for only specific situations.
Antibiotics have a whole host of side effects and don’t always work in cases of gum disease due to the bacteria’s resistance.
- Flap Surgery
Flap surgery is a surgical procedure that involves moving the flap of tissue that covers the upper gum to expose the roots and bone underneath. It is often done in cases of gum disease or receding gums but may also be used to remove small mucus-producing tumors.
- Gum Grafting
Gum grafting is an option for patients with gum disease and inflammation. This procedure involves placing a healthy piece of tissue from the patient’s body or mouth to help stimulate new blood vessels in the area. It can reduce the risk of infection and even prevent other oral complications, including tooth loss.
Gum grafting is done because the natural gum tissue has receded or been destroyed by decay or damage.
This procedure can also be done on teeth that don’t have enough healthy gum tissue to cover them and then covered with an artificial layer.
Gum grafting is typically done when there’s insufficient healthy gum tissue to cover the tooth surface so it can be protected from decay, irritation, or injury.
- Bone Grafting Gum Disease Treatment
Bone grafting gum disease is a surgical procedure in which bone marrow is transplanted into the jaws to restore the original structure and function.
The procedure is typically performed to repair jaw defects caused by malignancy or dental surgery.
Gum infection affects the supporting bone and causes it to deteriorate. Getting a bone graft can help stimulate new bone growth.
How Can You Prevent Gum Disease?
Maintaining good hygiene practices like brushing your teeth after every meal, flossing, and visiting the dentist in 53719 regularly for professional check-ups are essential. You can also reduce the risk of gum disease by eating more vegetables, fruit, and whole grains every day. Finally, avoid smoking or drinking too much alcohol because these habits can be toxic to your mouth.
Visit Madison Lakes Dental for more information on how to prevent periodontal disease.