You know that brushing and flossing help to keep your teeth healthy, but did you know your gums play an important role in your oral health too? They can even impact the health of your entire body. Fortunately, if problems pop up — like gingivitis or even more advanced periodontal disease — your dentist can help.
For today’s blog post, let’s take a closer look at periodontal therapy, or the treatment options available to treat gum disease.
Gum disease is surprisingly common. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that nearly 50 percent of all Americans ages 30 and over have been diagnosed. Fortunately, if it’s in an early stage, it’s usually treatable without lasting side effects. You can make a big impact with small changes, like an improved oral hygiene routine, no tobacco, and less sugar in your diet.
More severe gum disease, called periodontitis, can destroy your oral health. The bacteria in plaque may cause your gums to recede, or pull away from your teeth. It can even erode the bone that holds up your teeth! Even worse, researchers believe that, if left untreated, periodontitis can cause bacteria to enter your bloodstream. This complication increases your risk of diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
It’s easy to see, then, why periodontal therapy is so important for a healthy mouth!
Periodontal therapy can restore health of your gums and teeth and also prevent future problems, like tooth loss. There are surgical and non-surgical options, which your dentist will consider as they review your file. In most cases, the least invasive procedure is your best bet.
Mild to moderate cases are typically treated with root planing, which involves cleaning the plaque from the surface of the tooth’s root (under the gums). Dentists can smooth the surface of the root, which prevents bacteria from adhering to the surface. Another option is scaling, which refers to a more in-depth teeth cleaning. Your dentist may also mention a tray delivery system, which is used at home to deliver medication directly to your gums.
Severe cases of gum disease often require surgery to fully restore your teeth and gums. One option is gum grafts, which can protect the root of your tooth if the gums have receded too far. In gum flap surgery, your gums are cut and folded so that the teeth roots can be thoroughly cleaned. If the damage caused by periodontitis cannot be repaired, dental implants may be required.
How do you know if you have gum disease and need periodontal therapy?
There are a variety of causes and risk factors for periodontal disease, including:
- Poor dental care
- Smoking and other tobacco use
- Diet
- Family history
- Hormonal fluctuations
- Chronic illnesses (i.e. cancer of diabetes)
- Medications
Even severe case of gum disease can be painless, making this problem hard to diagnose. It’s important, then, to see your dentist for biannual appointments so your dentist can notice any changes in your oral health. Early symptoms may include bad breath and red, swollen, or bleeding gums. More advanced signs are receding gums, loose or shifting teeth, and pockets between your teeth and gums.
We hope you’ll contact Maitland Ave Smile Co. for your periodontal therapy and other dental care needs!
Call us at 407.834.0330 to schedule your appointment today! Check out our Dental Blog to learn more about topics like restorative dentistry, dental anxiety, and more.