4 Common Periodontal Treatments Performed by a General Dentist

Many people are affected by periodontal diseases. The symptoms might include inflamed or red gums and even bone loss. That might cause the teeth to require extraction. The symptoms of the condition can worsen if not treated as soon as possible. Knowing more about the typical treatments can help you make a more informed decision.

About periodontal disease

There are a couple of things included with periodontal disease. The first is gingivitis, which results from bacteria around the gum tissue and teeth. That causes inflammation to form an infection. It is reversible and preventable with the right care. But if not treated, it might lead to periodontitis.

Periodontitis is much more severe. In some cases, it is irreversible. Because of the inflammation, the body sends out specific substances. These end up breaking down the bone and connective tissues, which support the teeth. Eventually, the patient might lose bone and tissue in the jawbone.

While that is not reversible, it is possible to manage it. The right periodontal treatment can go a long way toward restoring a patient’s smile. There are also cosmetic procedures designed to restore the patient’s smile. That can increase self-esteem.

Four common treatments

The goal is to control the infection. The type of periodontal disease might impact the treatment. Plus, the severity also affects how the therapy goes. No matter what treatment happens, the patient needs to have healthy oral hygiene habits. That might include quitting harmful habits, like smoking, and start flossing more often.

The first treatment might include deep cleaning. That could consist of root planing and scaling, designed to get rid of plaque below the patient’s gumline. The dentist will also find and remove rough spots on the roots of the teeth. Bacteria often accumulate there. Sometimes, the dentist might use a laser for that treatment.

The second treatment could be medications. The dentist might prescribe them to kill the bacteria, causing the condition. Sometimes, a patient might have that instead of surgery if the gum disease is mild enough. These might come in the form of mouthwashes, antibiotics, and gels. The way these get used differ depending on the type.

A third treatment is laser therapy. It involves using a laser to remove inflamed gum tissue from the tooth’s roots. Once the provider removes the infected tissue, the root gets exposed. Then root scaling can happen. The dentist removes the plaque and tartar below the patient’s gumline. Often, the area between the root and gum regenerates as the patient begins to heal.

Finally, a dentist might recommend oral surgery for severe cases. The treatments involving surgery include tissue and bone grafts to replace missing structures. The flap procedure consists of removing built-up tartar from the gums. With grafting, a patient can have tissue regenerated.

Choose the right periodontal treatment today

Regular dental appointments can prevent gum disease. Even if you do not have periodontal issues, it is critical to have regular cleanings. The dentist also looks for gum disease, so it gets caught early. Many patients should have appointments every six months. However, those with gum disease might need to go more often, such as every three months.

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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