Periodontitis, or periodontal disease, cannot be completely cured once it is in its advanced stages. This is why it is imperative to understand the treatment options available and ways to prevent the further development of periodontitis. Here’s a closer look at all the options for prevention and treatment available.
Treatment
There is not one sole periodontitis cure that can definitively treat periodontal disease. Instead there is an abundance of treatment options, both nonsurgical and surgical. Your local periodontist can help you determine which is best for your teeth, as it is typically dependent on the advancement of the periodontitis.
Some of the nonsurgical treatments available include periodontal scaling and root planing. Scaling and root planing can be used as preventative measures, or treatments for gingivitis and moderate periodontitis. The scaling procedure is performed to remove tartar and plaque build up from the crowns and root surfaces of teeth. Root planing is similar, but it smooths the root of the tooth to remove cementum and surface dentin, which holds bacteria and tartar to the tooth.
Surgery
There are several surgical options for treating periodontal disease, varying in invasiveness. Laser assisted periodontal therapy is a minimally invasive option that provides optimal results with fewer drawbacks compared to the others when it comes to recovery. This method minimizes the amount of discomfort afterwards. It also allows for precision when removing tissue, as other traditional options oftentimes remove healthy tissue along with diseased tissue.
Pocket reduction surgery is another option frequently considered. This is a procedure where small incisions are made for the gums to be pulled back and more effective scaling and root planing can occur. This allows for tartar and plaque to be completely removed, greatly improving gum health.
Periodontitis is the leading cause of bone loss in the mouth, so one form of treatment is bone grafting. This procedure provides an opportunity to replace lost bone tissue and promote natural growth of the bone. Soft tissue grafts are also offered as treatment, as moderate to severe periodontitis causes the gum line to recede.
Prevention
There are a plethora of treatments available to cure periodontitis and reverse the damage it may cause. However, there are also steps you can take at home to prevent or reduce periodontal disease. Brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and using a mouthwash to break down plaque are all helpful in preventing periodontitis.
When you see your dentist, they may refer you to your local periodontist for a more specialized approach to periodontitis. However, a referral is not needed to receive a consultation at Village Periodontics & Dental Implant Center. If you’re concerned about symptoms you are experiencing, make an appointment with Village Periodontics today to receive the best care available.