Common Periodontal Treatments from Your General Dentist

If you need periodontal treatments, your general dentist can help. Gum problems can affect your oral health and overall well-being. You should not ignore the signs of gum disease or similar issues. You can take comfort to know that help is available to restore your health and smile. You should be aware of what options you can pursue and how these can benefit you. You do not have to live with the pain and discomfort of periodontal troubles.

Issues that cause periodontal disease

Along with cavities, gum disease is one of the most common dental conditions that dentists see. Untreated, gum disease can cause tooth loss and bone loss. This can change the shape of the person’s face and affect speech. Even more concerning, gum disease can contribute to cardiovascular problems, such as a heart attack or stroke.

Gum disease occurs when bacteria invade the gum tissue. This can take place due to poor brushing and flossing. The bacteria will cause the gums to inflame and bleed. The gums will also begin to recede and pull away from the teeth. Infections can result, destroying the tissue and teeth.

Scaling and root planing

As gum disease advances, the right periodontal treatments are necessary. The dentist may first do scaling and root planing. This is a type of deep cleaning that cleans the teeth and gumline of plaque and tartar buildup. To do this, the hygienist may use a dental tool or ultrasonic device to scrape off these substances. For more widespread buildup, the hygienist may pull back the gums and clean the roots.

Medication

Some periodontal treatments occur in the office, but the patient can also do some at home. The dentist may prescribe medication to kill the infection that the bacteria has caused. These will be antibiotics that the patient may take for a few weeks. However, there are also topical antibiotics that the dentist can give. In this case, the dentist would place a medicated gel in between the teeth or in pockets where the infection is located. Mouthwash medication is another option.

Soft tissue grafts

For more serious instances of gum disease, the dentist will need to try surgical periodontal treatments. A tissue graft is one of these, and it can effectively help the gums heal. The dentist will choose this method when the gums have receded. This process builds up the gums and keeps bone loss from occurring. The dentist may use tissue from the root of the mouth or from a donor. This treatment can also restore the appearance of the gums.

Bone graft

When periodontal disease has caused bone loss, immediate treatment is required. One of the periodontal treatments a patient will need in this situation is a bone graft. The dentist can take bone from another part of the body or from a donor to build up the lost bone in the jaw. This will also prevent further tooth loss.

Ask about periodontal treatments today

Gum disease is nothing to take lightly. If you have the symptoms of this condition, seek treatment right away. Your dentist can do a deep cleaning, give you medication, or perform surgery. Make an appointment so that you can find out which treatment is right for you.

Request an appointment here: https://www.kingdentistry.com or call King Dentistry at (209) 585-1474 for an appointment in our Turlock office.

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