Healthy Teeth, Happy Smiles
How gum disease is treated depends on how much damage has already happened. A recommended course of action can be developed only after you have had a thorough dental evaluation. If you don’t have this disease treated, plaque, as well as tartar, debris, and bacteria, can build up between your teeth and gums, forming pockets of irritation and infection. As the disease progresses, gum tissue can be lost and bone can deteriorate, causing teeth to become loose, unsupported, and eventually fall out.
If gum disease is caught during its earliest stage, called gingivitis, it may not cause long-term, permanent damage. The best treatment may be a thorough dental cleaning. Your dentist will also provide home-care instructions for brushing and flossing. Additionally, you may be encouraged to visit a dentist more often to keep problems in check.
When gum disease is more advanced, a deep cleaning may be required. This cleaning process called scaling and root planning takes away tartar below the gum line. Usually, the process is done in stages while your mouth is numbed. Scaling gets rid of tartar and debris while planning smooths rough areas beneath the gum line so gums can re-adhere to teeth and heal. As gums improve, pockets shrink, reducing and perhaps even eliminating the gum disease. Other recommended treatments may include oral antibiotics, medicated mouthwashes, and the use of an electric toothbrush.
If your gum disease is even more advanced, pockets may not close and your gums may not completely heal after the treatments above. Surgery may be necessary to effectively clean teeth and reduce the size of pockets. Your dentist or periodontist will consider all options before recommending pocket reduction surgery or any other surgical procedure.
For reliable gum disease consultation and treatment from a gentle, experienced professional who wants to help, reach out to a San Diego Dentist Association member now.
Call (619) 745-6870 for a free Gum Disease consultation.