Periodontal Disease Treatment

Treatment of Periodontal Disease depends on the severity stage the disease has progressed too in a particular case. It is clear however, that treating periodontal disease as early as possible will ensure that any damage caused is minimised, and surgery is not required. It can also ensure that significant bone loss does not occur. Here is our breakdown of treatments that will be considered at each of the four stages of periodontal disease:

1. Dental cleaning: This treatment involves the removal of plaque and tartar from both above and below the gumline. Regular dental cleanings are essential for all individuals, and these are essential in reversing early-stage periodontal disease.
2. Scaling and root planing: This treatment is typically used for slight and moderate periodontal disease. It is a nonsurgical procedure and is carried out under local anaesthesia. It involves the scraping of plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline and smoothing of rough spots on teeth. This helps removes bacteria and ensures there is a clean surface for the gum to reattach to teeth.
3. Flap and pocket reduction surgery: This treatment is used for the advanced stages of periodontal disease. The procedure involves the gums being lifted back and any tartar being removed. Following this the gums are then positioned in a way that ensures the tissue will fit tightly around the tooth. In turn this minimises the space between the gum and tooth and reduces the possibility of bacteria growing.
4. Bone and soft tissue grafts: A bone graft procedure involves utilising fragments of bone to replace the bone which has been eradicated by periodontal disease. This encourages the regrowth of bone and helps increase the stability of teeth. Soft tissue grafts may also be usedto reinforce gums which are thin or fill in at places where gums have receded.
5. Laser gum surgery: This treatment involves using lasers to treat the affected area and may be chosen over other surgical procedures as it can be less painful and reduces the post-operative sensitivity. Additionally, this method requires less recovery time after the surgery compared to surgical procedures.

Prevention is better than cure
As with most things in life, prevention is always better than cure. Seeing a dental hygienist regularly to maintain your gum health is extremely important if you want to keep gum disease at bay and avoid the treatments mentioned in this article. Why not book an appointment with your hygienist today and start as you mean to go on?