Bleeding while brushing with swollen gums! Have you been experiencing it of late? There could be an underlying cause to it such as gum or periodontal disease. Though a common dental problem, it requires prompt attention and management to prevent serious complications like tooth loss.
Treatment for periodontal disease by the team of dental specialists at Family Dentistry Thornton will help restore your oral form, function, and aesthetics.
What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease, or gum disease is the most prevailing oral problem worldwide that is characterized by the progressive destruction of the supporting structures surrounding your teeth. This comprises your gums (gingiva), and the underlying jawbone.
The disease may begin as mild swelling and bleeding of the gums (gingivitis) but can spread to the jawbone if not treated on time. Uncontrolled gingivitis can lead to mobility and tooth loss.
How is periodontal disease treated?
Treating periodontal disease at an early stage has a better prognosis with quick healing and good recovery. And, advanced periodontal disease may require extensive dental procedures. Treatment options include the following:
Non-surgical: For early-stage periodontal disease
- Antibiotics
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- These are prescribed in the form of oral drugs or topical gels to fight infection.
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- Scaling
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- These are routine procedures that allow the dentist to eliminate plaque, calculus, and bacteria beneath the gum line.
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- Root planing
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- This involves cleaning and smoothening the roots to prevent plaque and bacteria adherence.
Surgical: For advanced-stage periodontal disease
- Flap surgery
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- A flap incision is raised on your gums to access the tooth roots and clean them thoroughly.
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- Bone grafting
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- This is an effective procedure to counteract bone loss by replacing the lost tissue with a graft material.
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- Gum grafting
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- Gum grafting helps treat gum recession by placing a tissue graft around the affected teeth, and suturing it.
- Guided tissue regeneration
- A special biocompatible material is placed between the bone and your tooth to promote tissue growth.
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- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)
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- PRP is extracted from your blood sample and injected into the deficient areas to encourage bone growth.
Replacement: For tooth loss
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- Dentures
- These are artificial removable prostheses that snugly fit taking support from the adjacent teeth.
- Dentures
- Fixed bridges
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- These are fixed dental restorations that are permanently fixed to the natural teeth on either side of the missing tooth.
- Dental implants
- These are artificial tooth roots made up of titanium to provide a strong anchorage to permanent restorations like crowns, dentures, or bridges.
Key takeaway
There are several treatment options for periodontal disease depending on the stage and severity of the disease. And success depends on how well your dentist is skilled and trained for the same.
