Periodontal Disease Treatment
The first step in treating periodontal disease is to diagnose the type and severity of the disease. There are four main stages of periodontal disease: gingivitis, moderate periodontitis, severe periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis. Treatments vary depending on the stage and depend on the severity of the disease.
Periodontal disease is a common inflammatory condition that affects the soft tissues around your teeth. Studies show that periodontal disease increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. If you are suffering from periodontal disease, your dentist or dental hygienist will evaluate for it and recommend the appropriate treatment.
Periodontal disease progresses when the sulcus (pocket or space) between the tooth and gums gets filled with bacteria, plaque, and tartar. As this happens, the body tries to wall off the infection by creating a pocket around the tooth.
If you are suffering from a condition such as gingivitis or periodontitis, it is best to take care of your gums as soon as possible. These conditions affect the gum tissue around the teeth and can lead to loss of bone mass, which in turn can lead to loosening of the teeth.
If the disease is caught in the early stages of gingivitis, and no damage has been done, one to two regular cleanings will be recommended.
Your dentist will also give you instructions on improving your daily oral hygiene habits and having regular dental cleanings.
If the disease has progressed to more advanced stages, a special periodontal cleaning called scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) will be recommended. Deep cleaning is done by a dental professional and focuses on removing the plaque and tartar that have built up below your gum line.
Scaling and root planing also called deep cleaning, is the most effective way to treat periodontal disease. During a deep cleaning, the dentist or dental hygienist will use specialized instruments to remove plaque and tartar (hardened plaque).
In this procedure, tartar, plaque, and toxins are removed from above and below the gum line (scaling) and rough spots on root surfaces are made smooth (planing). The dentist or dental hygienist then polishes the teeth using a special polishing tool.
This procedure helps gum tissue to heal and pockets to shrink. To help prevent infection and to speed up the healing process, medications, special medicated mouth rinses, and an electric tooth brush may be recommended. It’s important to follow the recommendations of your dentist to ensure the best possible outcome.
If the pockets do not heal after scaling and root planing, periodontal surgery may be needed to reduce pocket depths, making teeth easier to clean. Your dentist may also recommend that you see a periodontist (specialist of the gums and supporting bone).
