How is Gum Disease Treated Caused by bacteria in the mouth, gum disease is a progressive condition of the mouth. It progresses from gingivitis to minor periodontal disease, to moderate periodontal disease, and finally to advanced periodontal disease. While it is progressive, there are a variety of treatment options to help manage the condition. If you have been diagnosed with periodontal disease feel free to contact us with questions or concerns at Mission Hills Periodontics so we can discuss the options available. Gum Disease AssessmentPrior to developing a treatment plan, our staff will have to perform an assessment to determine what stage the gum disease is in and how far it has progressed. We do this by reviewing the patient's entire medical history to identify any risk factors such as smoking or prescription medications. A visual inspection will determine how bad the plaque buildup is and if there are any loose teeth or bleeding. We will also check the pocket depth, which is the space between the gums and teeth. X-rays will be used to determine if there is a significant amount of bone loss that will need to be addressed as well. Gum Disease Non-Surgical TreatmentThere are a variety of treatment courses that could be used to manage the condition. The treatment option that is the best fit for the patient, will be determined by how advanced the gum disease is. In the earlier stages, non-surgical options will be recommended. A non-surgical option is scaling, which focuses on removing the bacteria and tartar from not only the surface of the teeth but also beneath the gumline. This is done either with handheld instruments or a soft tissue laser. Root planing is also used, which involves scraping the tooth roots to keep them smooth so bacteria and tartar will not build up and damage the oral cavity further. It encourages the gums to reattach to the tooth surfaces to shrink the pocket size. Because periodontal disease is caused by bacteria, in some cases an appropriate dose of antibiotics can work. Antibiotics help with ensuring the patient does not get an infection after the procedure has been completed. Gum Disease Surgical TreatmentWhen non-surgical options will not work then surgical procedures are likely to be recommended. One such procedure is flap surgery, which reduces the size of the pockets along the gum line between the tooth and gum. This involves cutting the gums to expose more of the tooth root for more effective root planing and scaling. Before closing the incision, the bone may be shaped to help maintain bone mass. Soft tissue grafts can be used to help with receding gums. When the disease has progressed to the bone and has begun to destroy it, bone grafts can help to increase lost bone mass. It helps to hold the existing natural teeth in their proper place. Tissue regeneration can be used which utilizes a special fabric that keeps bacteria from continuing to destroy tissue. Lifestyle ChangesWhile it will not cure gum disease, these changes to your oral care protocol can reduce gum disease symptoms. We recommend brushing and flossing twice a day using a soft toothbrush. Patients can also rinse using mouthwash. Eliminating tobacco use of any kind is also highly recommended. Also, scheduling regular professional cleanings at our office Mission Hills Periodontics. We are available by phone too at (619) 356-5989. |
