Gum diseases are common dental conditions often caused by poor oral health. It occurs when plaque or tartar builds up on your teeth, causing inflammation in your gums. When this happens, you may experience bleeding or develop puffy and irritating gums. If untreated, severe gum disease often leads to periodontitis. This condition can lead to tooth loss as bacteria dig deeper into the bone tissue supporting your teeth. To prevent this from happening, a gum disease & periodontics Novi specialist will offer the best treatments depending on the severity of your condition. However, even after receiving treatment, ensure good oral health to prevent further tooth loss or damage. Learn more about the best treatments to help prevent gum and periodontal diseases.
- Scaling and Root Planing
This process is an effective treatment plan for mild to moderate gum disease. It involves deep cleaning the gums and teeth root surface to remove bacterial toxins, plaque, and tartar. It is often coupled with other therapies like host modulation and antibacterial medications. Most times, after a scaling and root planing treatment, your periodontist might also recommend maintenance therapy to sustain your oral health.
- Periodontal Trays
Periodontal trays are excellent at-home care non-surgical treatments for gum diseases. They work similarly to traditional dentists’ fluoride trays which often prevent the risk of tooth decay. Periodontal trays vary in size based on the patient’s mouth.
They work by delivering antimicrobial medication deep into your periodontal tissues and the affected gums through a special sealing system. To improve the effectiveness of this treatment, put the prescribed medication in the tray and wear it for approximately 30 to 40 minutes.
- Regeneration
When your gum disease has progressed, regeneration might be your best treatment. Regeneration is a surgical procedure involving folding the gum tissue back to prevent bacteria from forming.
During the procedure, your periodontist places a bone substitute between the defective bone and your tooth. This material prevents bacteria and other unwanted tissue from growing into the affected area. Periodontal regeneration encourages bone tissue growth that supports your tooth and gums.
- Gingivectomy
Gingivectomy is a periodontics surgical procedure that removes gums affected by severe periodontitis. A periodontist often performs it under local anesthesia. This procedure lengthens the height or width of your gum tissue to expose your natural tooth. As a result, your gum line evens out, providing a broad, even smile.
After the procedure, your periodontist places a surgical dressing around the treated gums and teeth. It would be best if you left the dressing in place for a week or so to enable proper healing. Also, ensure to take antibacterial mouthwash to fasten the healing process.
- Gum Grafting
Severe periodontitis can often cause gum recession exposing your teeth and making them appear longer. Overly exposed teeth are also at risk of infections. To prevent this, your dentist can recommend a gum graft procedure that helps replace the lost tissue.
This procedure involves pacing and suturing a tissue graft around the affected tooth. This tissue graft can either be synthetic or autograft, meaning it can be purchased or obtained from your mouth. A successful gum graft procedure can cover your exposed teeth and reduce the risk of further recession.
Gum disease and periodontics treatments and procedures can improve your oral health and smile. Therefore, if you notice any signs of gum disease, no matter how mild it is, visit your periodontist immediately for treatment to prevent periodontitis. However, if your condition has severely progressed, your periodontist might recommend any of the above surgical procedures.
