Common Periodontal Disease Treatments
Periodontal disease is a major cause of tooth loss in adults, but you may not realize that you have it. The sooner it’s diagnosed, the more easily it can be treated.
In this blog, the doctors at Dental365 outline some of the most common types of periodontal disease treatment.
What is periodontal disease?
Also called gum disease, periodontal disease is an infection of the gum and bone that surround and support your teeth. It’s very common, and it’s a major cause of tooth loss in adults.
What are some common types?
The following are some of the most common types of periodontal disease:
- Gingivitis – the mildest form of periodontal disease, but it can progress into more serious forms
- Aggressive periodontitis – occurs in patients who are otherwise healthy
- Chronic periodontitis – the most frequent form of periodontitis, it can result in inflammation and bone loss
- Periodontitis associated with systemic diseases – such as heart disease and diabetes
- Necrotizing periodontal disease – characterized by the death of gum tissue and ligaments and is often associated with patients who have systemic conditions like HIV or malnutrition
What are the symptoms?
In some cases, periodontal disease doesn’t cause any symptoms, especially in its early stages.
You may experience one or more of the following symptoms if you have periodontal disease:
- Recurring bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
- Red or swollen gums
- Tender or bleeding gums
- Sensitive teeth
- Loose teeth
- Painful chewing
- Receding gums – may also look like your teeth appear longer
- A change in how your teeth fit together when you bite
- A change in how your partial dentures fit
What are the causes?
Bacteria are present in your mouth, and they can mix with mucus and other particles to form sticky plaque on your teeth, which can lead to periodontal disease. Brushing and flossing can help remove it, but if it’s not removed, it can harden into tartar, which can only be removed by a professional dental cleaning.
The following are some risk factors for developing periodontal disease:
- Inadequate oral hygiene
- Smoking or using chewing tobacco
- Genetics
- Pregnancy
- Diabetes
- Certain medications (including aspirin and some oral contraceptives)
- Crooked teeth that are difficult to keep clean
What are common types of periodontal disease treatment?
Treatment depends on how extensive your periodontal disease has become, and you’ll also be asked to keep up good dental care at home.
The following are some common types of periodontal disease treatment:
- Deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) - Scaling removes tartar from above and below the gum line, and root planing removes rough spots on your teeth that make it easy for bacteria to collect there. A laser can also be used to remove plaque and tartar.
- Medication - May be used along with scaling and deep planing to help control bacteria or treat an acute infection.
- Surgery - Surgical treatment may sometimes be necessary if problems persist after other forms of periodontal disease treatment.
Flap surgery may be used to remove tartar deposits in deep pockets. Bone and tissue grafts may also be recommended in addition to flap surgery to help promote bone growth.
If you have signs of periodontal disease or need other dental care, make an appointment today or walk in at one of Dental365’s many locations in New York, New Jersey & Connecticut. We’re dedicated to providing knowledgeable, experienced care at your convenience and provide general dentistry services, as well as specialized treatments and procedures.
