Research highlights a crucial connection between a person’s oral and whole-body health. For this reason, you should always keep up with oral hygiene to prevent gum or periodontal disease from developing. You also need to get to a dentist regularly for checkups as well as mouth and gum cleanings.
Gum disease treatment hinges on the severity and extent of the condition. Usually, a dentist may suggest nonsurgical options first if the disease has not worsened. However, in severe cases, surgical treatment becomes an option.
Nonsurgical Options
A dentist prescribes oral antibiotics aimed at combating the infection. Also, the dentist may place topical antibiotics beneath the gums where they target the affected tissue. Moreover, a dentist conducts scaling and root planing. This treatment is also referred to as deep dental cleaning and is similar to the scheduled cleanings you get every 6 months.
However, there is a difference in that, you receive local anesthesia aimed at numbing the gums. As such, a dentist can clean away bacteria found deep underneath the gumline with ease. Additionally, the dentist is able to smooth the roots to remove dented surfaces where bacteria and tartar could hide and continue damaging the teeth and gums.
Surgical Treatment Options
A moderate to severe gum or periodontal disease may require interventions such as surgery. Various surgeries can be done including flap surgery where a dentist makes an incision on the gumline to lift the gum tissue and find access for cleaning the teeth roots thoroughly.
In situations where bone loss has occurred extensively, dental bone grafting may be done to rebuild it. Moreover, receding gums are corrected and rebuilt by performing a gum grafting procedure.
Contact our dental team if you have an increased susceptibility to gum disease or have noticed its symptoms. Treating gum disease early on is very crucial to prevent further complications and restore your oral health.
