Periodontitis, or periodontal disease, is a progressive disease that should be treated as soon as possible. It begins as bacteria in the plaque that infects the gums and causes irritation. Periodontitis can quickly develop to gum recession and bone loss, so here are some of the available options to treat the symptoms and prevent further development.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
There is an abundance of treatment options, both nonsurgical and surgical, not one sole cure for periodontitis. Your local periodontist can help you determine which is best for your teeth, as it is dependent on the advancement of the periodontitis and the symptoms you are experiencing.
Periodontal scaling and root planing are the most frequent nonsurgical treatments offered to both prevent and treat moderate periodontitis. Scaling is performed to remove plaque from the surfaces of the crown and root. Root planing removes cementum and surface dentin, which embeds unwanted toxins and tartar to your teeth, and smooths out the root of the tooth. Following these procedures is topical or oral antibiotics, which help oral tissue heal quickly.
Surgical Treatment
Surgical options for periodontitis vary in terms of invasiveness to your gums. Laser assisted periodontal therapy is a popular, minimally invasive option that provides optimal results with fewer drawbacks compared to the others when it comes to recovery. A dental laser is used to remove diseased tissue without compromising any of the surrounding healthy tissue. This means both less pain and less recovery time.
Pocket reduction surgery is another common procedure, more invasive than the treatment previously mentioned. Also known as a gingivectomy, osseous surgery and flap surgery, pocket reduction surgery gains access to the roots of the teeth to remove bacteria. Small incisions are made for the gums to be pulled back, allowing for more effective scaling and root planing to occur.
Periodontitis is the leading cause of bone loss in the mouth, so a bone grafting procedure is a great way to replace lost bone tissue and promote natural bone growth. The most common type of dental bone graft is the autogenous bone graft, where bone is removed from elsewhere in the body. It is a fairly simple procedure, typically performed under local anesthetic.
When you next 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 and 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.