Treatment FAQ

what is an periodontal treatment

by Dr. Arturo Jaskolski Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Medication

There are a variety of ways periodontists can treat periodontal disease. Following dental school, periodontists receive up to three additional years of specialized training in both surgical and non-surgical periodontal procedures to treat gum disease. Periodontists are also experts in replacing missing teeth with dental implants. Surgical Treatment

Procedures

Mar 21, 2018 · How Is Periodontal Disease Treated? Phases of treatment. When treating periodontal disease, there will be three phases of treatment that your dentist will... Treatment options for periodontal disease. The exact treatments that your dentist or surgeon will choose depends on the... Surgical pocket ...

Self-care

Jun 04, 2019 · Periodontal Treatment The mouth is devided in 6 sides, each side is called a sextant Scaling removes tartar and bacteria from your tooth surfaces and beneath your gums Root planing smooths the root surfaces, discouraging further buildup of tartar and bacteria Topical or oral antibiotics can help control bacterial infection

Nutrition

Your first step in periodontal disease treatment is a conservative, non-surgical approach called scaling and root planing (SRP). A dentist or dental hygienist provides this treatment by scraping and removing the plaque and tartar from your teeth and root surfaces with instruments designed for this purpose.

How to reverse periodontal disease naturally without surgery?

the diagnosis and treatment of gum disease and may provide you with treatment options that are not offered by your dentist. How is gum disease treated? The main goal of treatment is . to control the infection. The . number and types of treatment will vary, depending on the extent of the gum disease. Any type of treatment requires that

What conditions does a periodontist treat?

Mar 19, 2022 · Treating Periodontal Disease at Home Download Article 1 Floss your teeth at least once a day. Begin with an 18-inch piece of floss. Wrap it around your two middle fingers leaving a gap of 1 to 2 inches in between. Then slide the floss between two teeth, and wiggle it up and down and back and forth, several times.

How to cure periodontitis naturally?

timely treatment of existing periodonti-tis.3,4 Although the evidence is limited, there is a strong suggestion that use of a periodontal probe for diagnosis and recording of periodontal status in treat-ment records in general dental practices has yet to achieve the level of a routine and consistent habit.5-9 Indeed, McFall

When to see a periodontist?

In scaling and root planing, your periodontist will perform a deep cleaning of your tooth root surfaces. First, your periodontist will scale beneath the gumline to remove plaque and other bacterial toxins from periodontal pockets. Root planing allows your periodontist to smooth the tooth root to prevent future plaque or toxins from adhering.

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What is included in periodontal treatment?

How painful is periodontal treatment?

Is periodontal treatment worth it?

Is periodontal treatment the same as deep cleaning?

What is the procedure for periodontitis?

If you have advanced periodontitis, treatment may require dental surgery, such as: Flap surgery (pocket reduction surgery). 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.

What is the goal of periodontitis treatment?

The goal of periodontitis treatment is to thoroughly clean the pockets around teeth and prevent damage to surrounding bone. You have the best chance for successful treatment when you also adopt a daily routine of good oral care, manage health conditions that may impact dental health and stop tobacco use.

How to tell if you have periodontitis?

To determine whether you have periodontitis and how severe it is, your dentist may: Review your medical history to identify any factors that could be contributing to your symptoms, such as smoking or taking certain medications that cause dry mouth. Examine your mouth to look for plaque and tartar buildup and check for easy bleeding.

How to measure pocket depth?

Measure the pocket depth of the groove between your gums and teeth by placing a dental probe beside your tooth beneath your gumline, usually at several sites throughout your mouth. In a healthy mouth, the pocket depth is usually between 1 and 3 millimeters (mm). Pockets deeper than 4 mm may indicate periodontitis.

What is the best treatment for bacterial infection?

Antibiotics. Topical or oral antibiotics can help control bacterial infection.

How to fix gum recession?

This is usually done by removing a small amount of tissue from the roof of your mouth (palate) or using tissue from another donor source and attaching it to the affected site. This can help reduce further gum recession, cover exposed roots and give your teeth a more pleasing appearance. Bone grafting.

What is guided tissue regeneration?

Guided tissue regeneration. This allows the regrowth of bone that was destroyed by bacteria. In one approach, your dentist places a special piece of biocompatible fabric between existing bone and your tooth. The material prevents unwanted tissue from entering the healing area, allowing bone to grow back instead.

What is the best treatment for periodontal disease?

Bone and tissue grafts. If your periodontal disease has caused a loss of bone or gum tissue, your dentist may recommend bone or tissue grafts in addition to surgical pocket reduction. This will help regenerate bone or tissue lost.

What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal diseases are infections in the structures around the teeth, but not in the actual teeth themselves. These structures include the: It can progress from gingivitis, which is the first stage of periodontal disease and only affects the gums, to the other structures. Periodontal diseases are caused most often by a combination ...

What are the risks of gum disease?

Gum disease should be treated as soon as possible because it’s linked to increased risk factors for conditions like: 1 stroke 2 heart disease 3 diabetes 4 respiratory disease

How to get rid of bacteria in teeth?

Your dentist will carefully detail the oral hygiene practices you need to follow, including brushing your teeth properly and flossing daily. Clean your teeth carefully, making sure not to miss any of the hard-to-reach spots, and use mouthwash to help kill off any leftover bacteria.

What is scaling in dental?

Procedures called “scaling” and “root planing” will also happen during this stage, where the dentist will clean your teeth deeply and remove plaque and calculus. Medications may also be prescribed.

How much does a deep cleaning cost?

Deep cleaning may cost between $140 and $300, depending on your location and your dentist. Your insurance may or may not cover it.

Can periodontal disease cause tooth extraction?

Periodontal disease can increase your risk for conditions like stroke, heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory diseases. Untreated, it can also result in tooth extraction. It’s exceptionally important to treat it. If you start early, it can even save you from needing more invasive treatments in the long run.

What is periodontal treatment?

Periodontal treatment aims to heal the gums which are afflicted by gum disease. Gum disease can be minor and unnoticeable but has the potential to develop into a severe and debilitating problem.

Can gum disease cause tooth loss?

Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss for adults, so periodontal treatments should be undergone when your dentist advises it. Prolonging this type of treatment could leave you with recurrent and possibly even long-term symptoms, which could lead to tooth loss.

What are the different types of periodontal disease?

There are different forms of periodontal disease, but the following are the most common: 1 Chronic gingivitis. A reversible, milder form of periodontal disease, marked by inflammation, redness, and bleeding gums. There is no bone loss with gingivitis, and as noted, it is easily preventable! 2 Aggressive periodontitis. A rapid loss of gum attachment and bone destruction in a short period. 3 Chronic periodontitis. The most common form of periodontitis. It progresses slowly. 4 Necrotizing periodontal disease. An infection resulting from the death of gum tissue surrounding the tooth and connecting bone. Its common symptoms are a foul odor and painful bleeding gums.

What is the first stage of gum disease?

Gum disease is a sneaky, progressive disease. Here's why: the first stage, called gingivitis, occurs when bacterial plaque is not thoroughly removed from your teeth.

Why do teeth get loose?

Toxins from this buildup of bacterial plaque affect your gum tissue and the bone and ligaments that support your teeth. As the infection causes periodontitis to spread to the bone and supporting tissues, your teeth may become loose and need removal. But even advanced cases of periodontal disease don't have to progress to this point.

What is scaling and root planing?

Your first step in periodontal disease treatment is a conservative, non-surgical approach called scaling and root planing (SRP). A dentist or dental hygienist provides this treatment by scraping and removing the plaque and tartar from your teeth and root surfaces with instruments designed for this purpose.

What does it mean when your gums are red?

A periodontal abscess can sometimes occur from advanced gum disease. This abscess appears as a red, swollen lesion on the gumline. If you suddenly feel a sharp pain in your gums, it's best to see a dentist quickly, as the sooner an abscess gets treatment, the better!

Is laser therapy better than other dental treatments?

There are a few apparent benefits of this novel therapy. They include the laser's ability to target the disease precisely, in a less invasive nature, and shorter recovery time. There is insufficient evidence demonstrating that laser therapy is better than other gum disease therapy forms. It would help if you spoke with your dentist about all available therapy options. It's always best to err on the side of caution with dental decisions.

Is an ounce of prevention worth a pound of cure?

When dealing with periodontal disease, "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.". This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.

How to remove plaque from gums?

The dentist, periodontist, or dental hygienist removes the plaque through a deep-cleaning method called scaling and root planing. Scaling means scraping off the tartar from above and below the gum line. Root planing gets rid of rough spots on the tooth root where the germs gather, and helps remove bacteria that contribute to the disease. In some cases a laser may be used to remove plaque and tartar. This procedure can result in less bleeding, swelling, and discomfort compared to traditional deep cleaning methods.

What happens if you don't treat gingivitis?

When gingivitis is not treated, it can advance to “periodontitis” (which means “inflammation around the tooth”). In periodontitis, gums pull away from the teeth and form spaces (called “pockets”) that become infected. The body’s immune system fights the bacteria as the plaque spreads and grows below the gum line. Bacterial toxins and the body’s natural response to infection start to break down the bone and connective tissue that hold teeth in place. If not treated, the bones, gums, and tissue that support the teeth are destroyed. The teeth may eventually become loose and have to be removed.

Can periodontal disease cause teeth to be lost?

If you have been told you have periodontal (gum) disease, you’re not alone. Many adults in the U.S. currently have some form of the disease. Periodontal diseases range from simple gum inflammation to serious disease that results in major damage to the soft tissue and bone that support the teeth. In the worst cases, teeth are lost.

What is the best way to treat periodontal disease?

Your dentist or periodontist may determine that antibiotics are necessary to treat your periodontal disease. After root planing, he may insert antibiotic chips in the gum pockets that will slowly dissolve and release medication to kill bacteria in a small area without influencing your entire body.

How to diagnose periodontal disease?

1. Visit your dentist for an exam. Your dentists will examine your teeth and gums, take x-rays, and assess the extent of your gum disease by measuring the depth of periodontal pocket. She will then have you schedule a deep cleaning and give you instructions on oral hygiene and home care leading up to that appointment.

What happens if you leave periodontal disease untreated?

Periodontal disease is a serious bacterial infection of the gums that, if left untreated, will eventually destroy the gums, ligaments and bones supporting your teeth, leading to tooth loss.

Who is Pradeep Adatrow?

This article was medically reviewed by Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MS. Dr. Pradeep Adatrow is the only board certified Dentist, Periodontist, and Prosthodontist in the southern United States. With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Adatrow specializes in dental implants, TMJ treatments, periodontal plastic surgery, surgical and non-surgical periodontics, bone regeneration, laser treatments, and soft tissue and gum graft procedures. He received a BS in Epidemiology and Biostatistics from the University of Alabama and earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry. Dr. Adatrow then completed a three-year postgraduate program in periodontics and implantology at Indiana University and went on to complete another three-year postdoctoral program in advanced prosthodontics from the University of Tennessee. He also serves as a full-time professor and the Director of Surgical Prosthodontics at the University of Tennessee. Dr. Adatrow received the Dean's Junior Faculty Award and the John Diggs Faculty Award, and he was inducted into the Deans Odontological Society. He is board certified by the American Board of Periodontology and is a Fellow of the prestigious International College of Dentistry – a feat that only 10,000 others worldwide can claim. This article has been viewed 294,326 times.

How to remove tartar from gums?

Get a deep cleaning of your teeth and gums. During deep cleaning, tartar is removed through scaling and root planing. Scaling removes tartar from your teeth and below the gum line where aggressive bacteria forms. This can be done with instruments, laser, or ultrasound.

How to floss your teeth?

Floss your teeth at least once a day. Begin with an 18-inch piece of floss. Wrap it around your two middle fingers leaving a gap of 1 to 2 inches in between. Then slide the floss between two teeth, and wiggle it up and down and back and forth, several times. Keep in mind that plaque and food can get stuck under the gum line, so this is what you want to target with the floss. Be sure to wrap the floss around each tooth, and floss all the way to your gums, extending as far as you can without causing discomfort. Then repeat the process on the next tooth, moving to a new section of the floss, as it becomes soiled or frayed. Make sure that once you have placed the floss between two teeth you are flossing two surfaces. Once you have this down, the entire process should only take two or three minutes per day.

How to clean gums and teeth?

2. Brush your teeth two or three times a day with a soft tooth brush. Be sure to brush for at least two minutes per session, and pay special attention to cleaning the gum line. Any toothbrush will do, but electric toothbrushes are especially effective. Also be sure to use a toothpaste containing fluoride.

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Diagnosis

Treatment

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

Preparing For Your Appointment

Your provider will work with you to develop a care plan that may include one or more of these treatment options.
Treatment includes professionally cleaning the sockets around teeth, to prevent damage to surrounding bone, along with medication and surgical procedures.
Medication

Topical antiseptics: Used to destroy or prevent the growth of microorganisms that may cause infection.

Chlorhexidine Gluconate


Antibiotics: Used to top growth or kill bacteria.

Penicillin

Procedures

Removal of unhealthy tissue: Dead, damaged or infected tissue from wounds are removed to promote healing.

Gingivectomy: Surgical removal of diseased gum tissue.

Gingivoplasty: Surgery to reshape healthy gum tissue around the teeth.

Self-care

Always talk to your provider before starting anything.

  • Tooth polishing: using a gritty paste and rotating brush to remove stains on the surface of the teeth
  • Oral hygiene: keeping mouth clean by regularly brushing teeth, flossing and using mouthwash

Nutrition

Foods to eat:

  • Foods rich in vitamin C like grapefruit, oranges, and kiwi
  • Foods rich in omega-3 essential fatty acids like salmon, fish oil, avocados, and sprouted walnuts.
  • Foods rich in fiber like ground flax seed
  • Dairy products like yogurt kefir and cheese

Foods to avoid:

  • Foods rich in carbohydrates like white flour, rice, white bread and pasta
  • Foods rich in sugar like cakes cookies and -chocolates
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Foods containing hydrogenated oils like processed Foods, deep-fried Foods, and junk food
  • Caffeinated beverages like tea and coffee

Specialist to consult

Dentist
Specializes in the treatment of diseases associated with teeth and gums.

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