You’ve just found out that you have gum disease. What’s next?
If you found out via a hygiene visit with our team at Hancock and Johnston Dentistry, most likely we have mapped out a course of action and you’re well on your way to obtaining treatment!
However, maybe you’re coming from other corners of the Internet, worried and wondering what lies ahead and how bad it will be. Let’s put your mind at ease right away: You aren’t alone!
Gum disease treatments are some of the most common procedures performed by dentists. This is because almost half of all U.S. adults over age 30 have some form of periodontal disease. About 9 percent have advanced gum disease.
Although it is a common condition that affects the gums and bones supporting the teeth, it can be serious. If left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss and other health complications.
The exact type of treatment will depend on the stage of the gum disease — starting with nonsurgical options and advancing to surgery with a periodontist.
| What Stage Periodontal Disease Do I Have? | ||||
We check the depth of gum pockets around your teeth with a periodontal probe. The size indicates the severity of gum disease:
SOURCE: Heathline |
Nonsurgical gum disease treatments
These are the types of treatments typically used for early or mild periodontitis.
Dental prophylaxis
Dental prophylaxis is a routine dental cleaning in which a hygienist clears plaque and tartar from your teeth. If you have moved beyond gingivitis into periodontal disease, you might need more frequent cleanings to reduce harmful bacteria.
Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling is removing the tartar from your teeth; root planing is the smoothing of the root surfaces so that the gum tissue can reattach to the tooth. This deep dental cleaning helps prevent bacteria from reattaching while at the same time encourages your gums to reattach to your teeth.
According to the American Academy of Periodontology, most patients don’t need further treatment after this stage.
Antibiotic Therapy
Another method is to use antibiotics, either as a stand-alone treatment or in combination with other methods. Topical antibiotics can be mouth rinses or gels that are placed in the periodontal pocket, or the space between your gums and teeth, to help curb bacterial infection. Sometimes oral antibiotics are also prescribed.
Laser Periodontal Therapy
During this treatment — an alternative to traditional gum surgery — we use a small laser to remove infected tissue and kill bacteria under your gums. You won’t have incisions or sutures with laser therapy.
Surgical gum disease treatments
These procedures usually treat moderate to advanced periodontal disease and may have to be performed by a specialist.
Bone or Gum Grafting
A dental bone graft uses bone to rebuild damaged teeth. The graft holds space until your body can regenerate new bone. This procedure is often performed in combination with pocket reduction surgery.
Likewise, a gum graft uses tissues to restore your gum appearance if you are suffering from gum recession, a common symptom of gum disease.
In some cases, periodontists may insert a mesh fabric between bone and gum tissues to prevent unwanted tissues from spreading into the healing area. This is called guided tissue regeneration and allows the bone to grow where it should and the gum to grow where it should.
Schedule a Gum Disease Treatment with Your Favorite Lubbock Dentist
Hearing that you need to manage gum disease can feel like a big burden, but these treatments have amazing success rates — up to 95 percent in some cases! It’s entirely possible to keep gum disease under control and never lose a tooth.
Choosing Hancock and Johnston Dentistry will ensure you’re well-positioned to take on periodontal disease with the best team at your side. We have been changing smiles for more than 40 years. Come find out why we are one of the leading practices in Lubbock County!
