Treatment FAQ

what is a gum treatment received at the dentist

by Carter Tremblay Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Gum Disease Treatments
In this procedure, the dentist will scrape away the plaque and tartar off the teeth above and below the gum line. The root of the teeth will also be cleaned of plaque and tartar build-up. You'll then get a clean slate.

What dentist specializes in the treatment of gums?

Other antibiotics, including doxycycline, tetracycline, and minocycline (Arestin) may also be used to treat gum disease, as determined by your dentist. Other treatment options for gum disease ...

How to cure gum disease without a dentist?

If the disease has progressed to more advanced stages, a special periodontal deep cleaning will be recommended. In this procedure, tartar, plaque, and toxins are removed from above and below the gum line and rough spots on root surfaces are made smooth. This procedure helps gum tissue to heal and pockets to shrink.

Can gum disease be cured without a dentist?

 · A gum graft is a type of dental surgery performed to correct the effects of gum recession. It is a quick and relatively simple surgery in which a periodontist removes healthy gum tissue from the...

How can a dentist treat your gum disease?

 · This type of surgery is commonly known as gum surgery. The procedure aims to treat the gum disease and any damage it may have caused by: regrowing damaged bones and tissues preventing tooth loss...

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What is a gum treatment at the dentist?

Also known as scaling and root planing or a deep cleaning, gum therapy treats the area beneath the gumline when signs of gum disease are present. According to the American Dental Association, gum disease commonly affects patients who don't do a good enough job eliminating plaque from their teeth.

What happens during gum treatment?

Hardened plaque and tartar (also called calculus) are scraped away (scaling) from above and below the gum line. Also, any rough spots on the tooth root are made smooth (planing). Smoothing the rough spots removes bacteria and provides a clean surface for the gums to reattach to the teeth.

How long does a gum treatment take?

How long does it take to treat gingivitis? Patients who comply with their dentist's recommendations will often see their condition reduce dramatically within two or three weeks. More serious stages of gingivitis may take longer to see results.

How painful is gum treatment?

Gum grafting procedure pain The actual gum grafting procedure is painless. This is because a local anesthetic is used to numb the affected area. A periodontist, who is a dental specialist in gum disease and the gums, typically performs this procedure.

How do you know if you need gum surgery?

If the gingivitis is minor in nature, it may be possible to heal the gums by simply performing a cleaning. If the gum disease is left untreated, it may be necessary to schedule surgery. This is why it is important to visit a dentist at the first sign of a problem and seek treatment right away.

Can you talk after a gum graft?

Avoid Talking (As Much As Possible) Talking causes your mouth's muscles to stretch, which, in turn, can loosen up the gauze and increase the chances of bleeding. Refraining from speaking is hard, but try to remain silent as much as possible for the first two to three days after gum grafting surgery.

Do you get put to sleep for gum graft?

Normally we use local anesthesia for gum grafting, because our dentist must collect the tissue from the roof of your mouth before stitching it into place over the exposed dental root. You don't need to be fully sedated, and can even drive yourself home after the appointment.

Is periodontal treatment worth it?

Periodontal treatment is very important. It does prevent tooth loss, which can be caused by periodontitis. This treatment also prevents other issues caused by periodontitis, like heart attack risks. You should talk to your dentist if you suspect periodontitis.

How is gum surgery performed?

The procedure involves lifting the gums off of the teeth to remove tartar buildup. After the surgeon has cleaned the area and removed the tartar, they will stitch the gums into place to fit around the teeth. Sometimes, the bone may require reshaping during this procedure.

How long is a gum graft procedure?

How long does the procedure take? When arriving at our dental office for a gum grafting procedure, you can expect the entire process to take about 1-1.5 hours. While the surgery itself should take no longer than one hour, it is best to allow for extra time to ensure you are comfortable.

How long after gum graft can I eat normally?

When can I eat my regular diet after a gum graft? Typically, your gum graft should heal within 14 days. After that, you can resume eating as you wish. However, the only away to know for certain is by consulting with your periodontist.

Are antibiotics necessary after gum graft?

Antibiotics are only indicated following tissue grafting if the tissue source is from a donor. In most cases, the tissue is harvested from the patient so no antibiotic coverage is necessary. Swelling may occur following your surgical procedure and typically peaks approximately 2-3 days after the procedure.

Is root planing painful?

The short answer is no, the procedure is not painful. You will experience discomfort upon completion but the actual process can be completed with the administration of a local anesthetic to the soft tissue to minimize any unpleasant feelings during the process.

What happens during a gum graft?

Gum grafting involves carefully placing a small amount of new tissue in an area where little or no gum tissue currently exists — typically recommended to prevent further gum recession or to cover root surfaces of your teeth that have become exposed.

Is periodontal work Painful?

Pain may occur following a periodontal surgery that involves the opening of a flap, gingival grafts, or gingivectomy/frenectomy procedures. Postoperative pain experienced within the first 3 days after surgery is considered normal and should progressively diminish throughout the healing phase.

How does a periodontist treat gum disease?

Your periodontist makes tiny incisions in your gum so that a section of gum tissue can be lifted back, exposing the roots for more effective scaling and root planing. Because periodontitis often causes bone loss, the underlying bone may be recontoured before the gum tissue is sutured back in place.

What is the procedure to remove plaque from gums?

If the disease has progressed to more advanced stages, a special periodontal deep cleaning will be recommended. In this procedure, tartar, plaque, and toxins are removed from above and below the gum line and rough spots on root surfaces are made smooth. This procedure helps gum tissue to heal and pockets to shrink.

How to contact a dentist about periodontal disease?

You don’t have to let fear hold you back anymore. Phone: (513) 272-9009. Contact Us. Periodontal disease is diagnosed by your dentist during a periodontal examination. A small dental instrument is gently used to measure the pocket or space between the tooth and the gums. The depth of healthy gums measure three millimeters or less and does not bleed.

How deep are gums?

The depth of healthy gums measure three millimeters or less and does not bleed. The periodontal probe helps indicate if pockets are deeper than three millimeters. As gum disease progresses, the pockets usually get deeper. For more information on Gum Disease Treatment or to schedule an appointment, contact us today!

Can gums and bone be lost?

The teeth lose more support as the gums, bone, and periodontal ligament continue to be destroyed. Unless treated, the affected teeth will become very loose and may be lost. Generalized moderate to severe bone loss may be present.

How does a dentist help with gum disease?

The dentist will help, by reducing plaque retentive factors that cause plaque to build up making it easier for you to keep your teeth clean, monitoring your gum treatment, progress and performing any necessary treatment to remove plaque and build up under the gum line.

What is the best instrument to clean teeth?

The ultrasonic scaler is the instrument most widely used to clean your teeth at your check up appointments. The tip vibrates forwards and backwards at high speeds to help break up plaque and calculus. It uses water to cool the tip and flush out all the debris from around your gum margin. The noise is not the most friendly to the ear and the feeling is that of a sort of mini- scratching on the teeth- I am sure we are not too far away from a more pleasant alternative, but for the time being it is the best we have got and from a dentist perspective is very effective.

Can an ultrasonic scaler be used to clean gums?

When it comes to cleaning under the gums, we have special tips that we can attach to the ultrasonic scaler to allow us to get further down into the pockets to clean the root surfaces of your teeth. Most dentists will also use a specially designed set of hand instruments that scrape against the root surface. These are made at different angles to allow the different surfaces of the various teeth to be cleaned.

What is a periodontal chart?

The periodontal chart will let the dentist map out the areas where the disease requires further treatment. In areas of pocketing the dentist is likely to need to perform some sub gingival debridement , (this essentially means -‘under gum cleaning’) and is likely to require the areas being made numb with anaesthetic to avoid the procedure being too sore.

Can you take antibiotics for periodontitis?

Antibiotics have their place in treating aggressive forms of periodontitis and some acute gum infections but in general are not used for the most common chronic forms of the disease. If your dentist feels it is necessary they will fill out a prescription for you.

How many appointments do you need to have for periodontitis?

If periodontits is ‘generalised’ meaning pocketing affects most of the teeth then at least two appointments will be needed to do this. Most dentists like to keep these fairly close together to ‘disinfect the mouth’ but don’t particularly like making your whole mouth numb at one time so you still have some idea of temperature and sensation when eating and drinking.

What causes periodontitis?

The main cause of periodontitis ( gum disease) ,is plaque. The aim of treatment is to remove this plaque and prevent it from returning. Your prognosis, treatment success, and ultimately keeping your teeth will all depend upon your ability to do this and improving your brushing and flossing. This is true whatever the stage of your disease… so get cleaning properly- see our care section.

What is the procedure called to restore gum tissue?

If gum recession is serious, a procedure called gum grafting can restore lost gum tissue. This procedure involves taking gum tissue from somewhere else in the mouth and grafting or attaching it to an area that’ lost gum tissue around a tooth. Once the area heals, it can protect the exposed tooth root and restore a more natural look.

How to prevent receding gums?

A healthy lifestyle will also help prevent receding gums. This means eating a balanced diet and quitting smoking and smokeless tobacco. Try to see your dentist twice per year, even if you take great care of your teeth and gums.

What to do if your gums are recession?

If your gum recession is serious, you may want to consult with a periodontist. This is a specialist in gum disease. A periodontist can tell you about options such as gum grafting and other treatments.

How to stop gum recession?

To slow or stop the progression of gum recession, you’ll have to take charge of your oral health. See your dentist twice per year if possible. Follow your dentist’s instructions about proper oral hygiene. If your gum recession is serious, you may want to consult with a periodontist. This is a specialist in gum disease.

How to get rid of plaque between teeth?

Using a daily mouth rinse that fights plaque may help get plaque between teeth. A dental pick or another type of interdental cleaner may also help keep hard-to-reach areas clean. Mild gum recession increases your risk of bacteria forming in pockets around the affected area.

How do you know if your gums are pulling away?

If you look closely at all of your teeth, you may also notice the gum pulling away from the root of one or more teeth. Gum recession tends to happen gradually. You may not notice a difference in your gums from one day to the next.

Can smoking cause gum recession?

Smoking. It’s not just cigarettes, either. You’re at increased risk for gum recession if you chew tobacco or dip with a pouch of tobacco.

What is the procedure called when you have gum disease?

If you’ve developed gum disease severe enough to require surgery, your dentist may discuss some of these types of gum surgery as ways to treat the problem: Pocket reduction (also known as gingival flap surgery) In this procedure, your surgeon folds back the gums and removes bacteria. The periodontist (gum specialist) secures ...

Why do dentists do gum surgery?

The most common cause of gum disease is when excessive bacteria builds up in your mouth and creates excess plaque and your body is unable to fight the infection. Certain factors, however, including medications and chronic illnesses, can make someone more susceptible to gum disease even if he or she follows a thorough oral care routine .

How to treat swelling after gum surgery?

If you develop moderate swelling, try applying an ice pack to the area. And if your periodontist recommends antibiotics, be sure to follow the instructions carefully. There is some risk of bleeding and swelling after gum surgery. Contact your periodontist immediately if you experience problems.

How long does it take for gums to heal after gum surgery?

The stitches may be dissolvable, or you may have to have them removed when you return for a surgery follow-up visit in seven to 10 days. The surgeon may also place a special surgical dressing called a periodontal pack, over the affected area.

What is the procedure to remove plaque and bacteria from the gum line?

The infected tissue below and between the teeth is removed, and the surgeon then follows with tooth scaling and root planing to remove plaque and bacteria below the gum line. The scaling and planing will also smooth rough spots on the tooth roots that could promote recurrence of the gum disease. After the surgery.

What is gingival flap surgery?

Gingival flap surgery is the type often used to treat gum disease. If you’re scheduled to undergo gingival flap surgery, here’s what to expect: Before any gum surgery, you will receive a local anesthetic to numb the area. Also, your periodontist (or dental hygienist) will clean your teeth.

What kind of doctor do you see for gum surgery?

If a thorough examination by your dental professional determines that you need gum surgery, you will probably be referred to a periodontist, a doctor who specializes in the treatment of gum disease.

What is the procedure to remove gum tissue from the gum around the tooth?

Pedicle (lateral) grafts. This is the preferred method for people who have lots of gum tissue growing near the exposed tooth. In this procedure the periodontist: grafts tissue from the gum around or near the tooth requiring treatment. only partially cuts away this tissue, keeping one edge attached.

What is the procedure to enlarge gums?

Free gingival grafts. This is the preferred method for people with thin gums who require extra tissue to enlarge the gums. In this procedure the periodontist: removes tissue directly from the top layer of tissue on the roof of the mouth. stitches this tissue to the existing gum area.

What to do after a tooth extraction?

People can take over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers or prescription medications to help manage any discomfort. After the procedure, teeth may feel more sensitive than usual, particularly to hot and cold foods, and people may benefit from using desensitizing toothpaste or mouthwash.

How long does it take for a periodontist to heal?

If they remove the tissue from the roof of the mouth a person may feel pain for a few days. The healing process is often quick, taking 1 to 2 weeks for the mouth to heal fully but may take longer.

How to treat a swollen gum?

avoiding flossing or brushing at the treatment site. using a special mouthwash which controls plaque build up. taking antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection. avoiding strenuous exercise. avoiding foods that are hard to eat. eating soft, cool foods, for example, ice cream, pasta, eggs, yogurt, and soft cheese.

Is it safe to drive after gum graft surgery?

This is important because the pain medication prescribed to manage the discomfort means it is unsafe for a person having gum graft surgery to drive.

Do you have to prepare for dental surgery?

Once the person and their dentist have considered all the options and decided on the type of surgery, there is not much that a person needs to do to prepare for the procedure.

What is gum surgery?

Preventing gum disease. Outlook. Sometimes, periodontal surgery may be needed to treat certain gum diseases and conditions, such as gingivitis or periodontitis. This type of surgery is commonly known as gum surgery. The procedure aims to treat the gum disease and any damage it may have caused by:

What is gum recession?

Tissue grafting. The type of surgery performed will be based on several factors, such as the condition of the gums. A lowered gum line , known as gum line recession, is caused by the loss of gum tissue and may require soft tissue grafting to reduce the risk of further damage.

Where does tissue grafting come from?

The tissue often comes from the roof of the mouth. Tissue grafting not only reduces the risk for further damage but also covers any exposed roots.

What is the goal of bone grafting?

The goal of bone grafting is to hold the tooth in place and help it to regrow.

What is the procedure to replace a tooth root with a new bone?

When the bone that surrounds the root of the tooth is damaged or destroyed, a person may need a bone graft. This procedure involves replacing the damaged bone with new bone. This bone may be the person’s bone, a manufactured bone, or donated bone.

What happens after a dentist removes tartar from teeth?

After the surgeon has cleaned the area and removed the tartar, they will stitch the gums into place to fit around the teeth. Sometimes, the bone may require reshaping during this procedure.

What is the procedure called to remove tartar from the root of teeth?

Another procedure known as root planing can smooth the surfaces of the roots of the teeth, meaning that there are fewer places for tartar and bacteria to build up. This procedure also removes any tartar that is on the root. Deep scaling and root planing usually occur at the same time.

How does periodontist surgery help with gum recession?

Your periodontist will take tissue from another part of your mouth and attach it where your gums are receding. This surgery prevents further recession, reduces tooth sensitivity, and can improve the aesthetic of your smile. Gummy smile or uneven gums.

What is periodontics dental?

Periodontics is the specialty that focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions and diseases that affect your gums.

Can you eat after gum surgery?

After gum surgery, you'll be informed how to clean your teeth and gum tissue without disturbing your healing gums. The types of food you can eat may be limited for a period of time, and you may be prescribed pain medication.

How long should I wait to eat before a periodontal procedure?

If you're undergoing general anesthesia, your periodontist will probably recommend that you avoid food and drink for eight hours before your procedure. Be sure to follow their recommendations for your specific needs. If you have a chronic condition, like diabetes or hypertension, they will monitor you during the procedure for any complications relating to the anesthetic. Most periodontal procedures can be comfortably performed using local anesthesia only.

What to do if you have pockets around your teeth?

If you have deep pockets around your teeth from gum disease, your dental professional may refer you to a periodontist for a periodontal pocket reduction surgery. In this procedure, your gums will be folded back so they can deep clean the bacteria out of the pockets, then they will be sutured back into place, providing you with more of a chance that you can hold onto your natural teeth for the long run.

How many people have gum disease?

According to statistics published in the Journal of Dental Research, nearly half of adults over 30 in the US have some form of gum disease. Left untreated, your tissue and bone will be destroyed by the plaque, and pockets can form around the roots of your teeth.

What is it called when you have a gummy smile?

If you have more gum tissue covering your teeth than you consider normal, you have what's called a gummy smile (also known as excessive gingival display if you want to sound like a professional). There are two surgery options available to you to remove tissue and show off more of your pearly white teeth.

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