If you have been diagnosed with gum disease, you would need to undergo treatment from a periodontist. The condition is prevalent and can wreak havoc on the oral cavity. Fortunately, gum infections can be prevented. Early detection, a good oral hygiene routine, deep dental cleaning,s and visiting the dentist regularly are effective ways to restore gum health and prevent future infections.
In a mild case of gum disease, bacteria accumulate around the gum line (in plaque and tartar) and often create gingivitis. This may cause inflammation or minor bleeding in the gums. Without treatment, gingivitis can worsen into periodontitis, which is the advanced form of gum disease. When plaque and tartar are not cleaned off the teeth, the gum tissue may start to recede. The infection may progress to the bone and cause deterioration. The teeth will become loose in their sockets and may eventually fall out.
If the periodontist detects gum disease signs such as gum inflammation, deep gum pockets, or plaque buildup, they will recommend a deep dental cleaning, also called scaling and root planing. This procedure prevents a simple gum inflammation from worsening into periodontitis, the advanced stage of gum disease.
The dental professional will clean plaque from the teeth and periodontal pockets with a scaler and other manual tools. They will also smooth the teeth’s roots so the gums can reattach to them afterward. Scaling and root planing may require more than one dental appointment, depending on the extent of the infection.
The dentist may apply a local anesthetic to reduce discomfort during the procedure. Afterward, they may recommend antibiotics to eliminate any infection present around the teeth and gums. Patients will get the best suggestions for aftercare based on their needs, including diet and oral hygiene routines.
Interestingly, the deep cleaning procedure can also be a preventive treatment against gum infection. The dentist will perform professional dental cleanings during routine dental checkups. Cleaning tartar off the teeth surfaces and other hard-to-reach areas can help prevent bacterial infection.
Gum disease should never be left untreated. The condition can increase the risk of tooth and bone loss. Researchers have also linked the condition to various other health conditions, like heart disease and diabetes.
Practice good oral hygiene at home by brushing the teeth at least twice daily. A good toothbrush has soft bristles and a tongue and cheek cleaner. The toothpaste should have an ADA seal. Besides brushing, remember to clean between the teeth and under the gumline with a flosser or interdental brushes. An antimicrobial mouthwash and tongue scraper can help reduce bacterial presence in the mouth.
One major issue with gum disease is that symptoms often do not show until it reaches the advanced stage, which is why patients need to visit the dentist for regular dental checkups and cleanings. If any symptoms related to gum or dental health occur, it is advisable not to wait until the next dental appointment before visiting the dental office. Book an appointment as soon as possible.
Request an appointment here: https://www.torreyhillsperio.com or call Torrey Hills Periodontal Group at (858) 925-1188 for an appointment in our San Diego office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Periodontics in San Diego, CA.
People who are seeking healthy gums but are dealing with challenges with gingivitis can see an expert periodontist, a dental professional who has studied the structures that support the teeth. These include the gums, the jawbone itself, and the ligaments that help hold the teeth in place.Periodontists are trained dentists who focus their attention on…
Wondering what the difference is between a regular dental cleaning procedure and a scaling and root planing procedure? Keeping gum disease at bay is important for all dental patients. Periodontists are dental specialists who focus on preventing, diagnosing and treating gum disease.Thinking about your upcoming scaling and root planing procedure? Periodontists are dental specialists who…
Pinhole gum surgery is a painless, non-invasive way of reversing gum recession. It is a far better alternative than the traditional option: Gum graft surgery. While gum surgery often requires multiple sessions in the dentist’s chair, pinhole periodontal surgery only needs one. There are many other reasons to choose pinhole surgery over a gum graft.…
A socket preservation graft can help speed the healing process after a tooth extraction. However, it is important to take some steps to help aid the healing process. Keeping the area clean will help you avoid an infection. You will also want to limit your diet in the first several days. It is a good…
People who are seeking healthy gums but are dealing with challenges with gingivitis can see…
Gums that are infected and receding may be sensitive, inflamed, or red.
Working with your dentist can catch this disease early and prevent complications later in life.
To perform a bone graft, the dentist will collect bone tissue from somewhere else in…
Dental implants can effectively replace missing teeth, but not everyone is a good candidate for…
Recovery after All-on-4 depends on the treatments necessary to complete the process.
