Gum disease is very serious, and without treatment it can become detrimental to one's overall health. There are a variety of treatment options that depend heavily on the severity of the infection. When experiencing any signs of gum disease, it can be helpful to review the following information in order to be prepared for what to expect from the treatment process.
Outlined below are four different gum disease treatment options that a general dentist may offer.
A deep dental cleaning is one of the most common periodontal treatment options used for gum disease. It is more intense than a routine dental cleaning with a hygienist. Instead of a simple teeth and gum line cleaning, the hygienist or dentist will go deeper beneath the gum pockets to ensure that plaque and tartar are removed. The removal of plaque and tartar can remove the infection and rid the mouth of the gum disease.
Another periodontal treatment option for gum disease is scaling and root planing, which is another cleaning procedure performed by a general dentist. Scaling and root planing can cause some level of discomfort, as the gums are pulled back to reach the infection, so medication may be administered.
Scaling involves the removal of any plaque or tartar from above and below the gum line through a scraping method. Root planing tackles the gum disease differently by smoothing out rough areas of the roots of the tooth. These rough areas develop due to the infection reaching beneath the tooth and gums.
A simpler but effective way to treat gum disease is through oral rinses that are often prescribed by a general dentist. When gum disease is in the beginning stages, the infection can usually be destroyed through oral rinses and improved oral hygiene. Oftentimes, the dentist may prescribe an oral rinse in conjunction with another periodontal treatment option, such as a dental deep cleaning. The rinse not only kills the infection but can also keep it away in the future.
When gum disease reaches severe stages, it can cause irreversible effects, such as receding or deteriorating gums. When this is the case, the general dentist may recommend a more severe periodontal treatment, such as surgery. A gingivectomy involves the removal of dead areas of the gums. Once the decayed areas have been removed, a gingivoplasty may be recommended to reshape or contour the gum lines.
Gum disease treatment varies depending on the individual's needs. In order to determine the appropriate course of treatment, it is necessary to undergo a consultation with a dentist. The consultation will include an examination to identify how serious the infection is. Then a treatment plan can be put in place, which will likely include one of the options listed above. Reach out today to learn more or to get started with a consultation.
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