Treatment FAQ

what is considered periodontal treatment

by Brant King Jr. Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Periodontal therapy includes both surgical and non-surgical techniques to restore health to the tissues that support the teeth (gums and bone) and prevent tooth loss. They include: Scaling and Root Planing. These deep-cleaning techniques are the best starting point to control gum disease.

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 · The exact treatments that your dentist or surgeon will choose depends on the severity of the periodontal disease. Nonsurgical treatments Your dentist will first start with nonsurgical treatments....

Self-care

Nonsurgical periodontal disease treatments 5. Scaling and root planing—Tartar and bacteria are removed from your teeth and under your gums using instruments, a laser or an ultrasonic device. Antibiotics—Topical antibiotics, such as antibiotic gels or mouth rinses, are used to control bacterial infection. Surgical periodontal disease treatments 6

Nutrition

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

How to reverse periodontal disease naturally without surgery?

As you may have already guessed, periodontal maintenance is a thorough and professional tooth cleaning maintenance performed by a dentistry expert. Most of the time, periodontal cleaning is used for adults, and occasionally it can be used on teenagers who may have developed bad oral hygiene or do not maintain a balanced diet containing nutrients.

What conditions does a periodontist treat?

A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease (a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the gums and bone supporting the teeth also known as gum disease), and in the placement of dental implants.

How to cure periodontitis naturally?

Jul 17, 2017 · If you have a serious gum infection, known as periodontal disease, your dentist might recommend surgery. This procedure can: remove bacteria from beneath your gums make it easier to clean your...

When to see a periodontist?

Periodontal pocket reduction procedures -- also called osseous surgery -- to help limit the space around your tooth’s root where bacteria can form While some techniques are …

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What counts as periodontal treatment?

Periodontal therapy is a type of conservative or non-surgical treatment for gum disease. Its goal is to control and manage periodontal diseases without the need for surgery. Ultimately, it helps restore optimal gum health, which, in turn, helps keep tooth loss at bay.Aug 27, 2020

What services fall under periodontics?

Periodontists offer a wide range of treatments, such as scaling and root planing (the cleaning of infected root surfaces), root surface debridement (the removal of damaged tissue), and regenerative procedures (the reversal of lost bone and tissue).

What is periodontal treatment in dentistry?

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.Feb 14, 2020

What is considered periodontal?

Basically, it's an infection in your gums; it's also known as periodontitis. If you don't do anything about it, the infection can spread. As a result, not only can it destroy the soft tissue in your mouth, but it can also lead to your teeth falling out. Some symptoms of periodontal disease include: Swollen gums.Apr 21, 2020

What does a periodontist do for periodontal disease?

A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating gum disease. They also help you manage signs of advancing gum problems like oral inflammation.Jun 23, 2021

What does a periodontist do for receding gums?

Open flap scaling and root planing: During this procedure, the dentist or periodontist (gum doctor) folds back the affected gum tissue, removes the harmful bacteria from the pockets, and then snugly secures the gum tissue in place over the tooth root, thus eliminating the pockets or reducing their size.Oct 31, 2021

What does a gum score of 4 mean?

It is where we are in the balance between health and disease. The biofilm increases or the risk factor balance changes and you have a diagnosis of gum disease. Score 4. 4 indicates gum disease, if you are diagnosed with gum disease we can work with you to create a thorough plan on how to best treat this.

Does periodontal disease go away?

Can you reverse periodontal disease? The damage done by gingivitis can often be reversed by ridding your gums of the infection. Periodontitis is more advanced, however, and often does damage to your teeth and gums that's impossible to reverse without extensive dental treatments.Oct 8, 2020

Can periodontitis be treated at home?

If started at an early stage, home remedies may help in treating periodontitis. Saltwater rinses with lukewarm warm water, multiple times a day, help in soothing inflamed gums. They also wash out particles of food that may be left behind and reduce bacterial count in the mouth.

What is considered advanced periodontal disease?

Advanced Periodontal Disease: The final stage of periodontal disease is when the infection has evolved into disease-causing bacteria. It can cause redness, swollen gums that ooze pus, sensitivity, loosening of teeth, painful chewing, severe bad breath, and bone loss.Mar 4, 2020

What is slight periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease is a gum infection caused by poor oral hygiene. When plaque builds up on the teeth, it can result in periodontal disease. When left untreated, it can lead to deterioration of the jawbone and tooth loss. There are many warning signs associated with periodontal disease.Jun 17, 2020

What is Stage 3 periodontal?

Stage 3: Moderate periodontal disease With those deeper pockets between your teeth and gums, even more bacteria attacks your teeth and jawbone. At this stage, the bacteria can make its way into your bloodstream and immune system as well.Dec 31, 2020

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

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 ...

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.

Can you have surgery under general anesthesia?

This, in turn, will eliminate the room for bacteria, plaque, and tartar to fester. Surgery can be done under general anesthesia and many people don’t feel pain after the surgery. Most will miss only one day of work.

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 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.

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.

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.

Can you use antibiotics on your gums?

Topical antibiotics can include antibiotic mouth rinses or insertion of gels containing antibiotics in the space between your teeth and gums or into pockets after deep cleaning. However, oral antibiotics may be necessary to completely eliminate infection-causing bacteria.

Why do my gums bleed?

Periodontal diseases are mainly the result of infections and inflammation of the gums and bone that surround and support the teeth. In its early stage, called gingivitis, the gums can become swollen and red, and they may bleed.

What are the signs of periodontal disease?

The following are warning signs of periodontal disease: Bad breath or bad taste that won’t go away. Red or swollen gums. Tender or bleeding gums. Painful chewing. Loose teeth. Sensitive teeth. Gums that have pulled away from your teeth. Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite.

How many people have periodontal disease?

47.2% of adults aged 30 years and older have some form of periodontal disease . Periodontal disease increases with age, 70.1% of adults 65 years and older have periodontal disease. This condition is more common in men than women (56.4% vs 38.4%), those living below the federal poverty level (65.4%), those with less than a high school education ...

Can gums pull away from teeth?

In its more serious form, called periodontitis, the gums can pull away from the tooth, bone can be lost, and the teeth may loosen or even fall out. Periodontal disease is mostly seen in adults. Periodontal disease and tooth decay are the two biggest threats to dental health. A recent CDC report 1 provides the following data related to prevalence ...

What is an external icon?

Most dental schools. external icon. have a clinic staffed by the professors and students, where care is provided based on your ability to pay.

Can periodontal disease be treated?

More severe forms of periodontal disease can also be treated successfully but may require more extensive treatment. Such treatment might include deep cleaning of the tooth root surfaces below the gums, medications prescribed to take by mouth or placed directly under the gums, and sometimes corrective surgery.

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.

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.

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 periodontal maintenance?

As you may have already guessed, periodontal maintenance is a thorough and professional tooth cleaning maintenance performed by a dentistry expert. Most of the time, periodontal cleaning is used for adults, and occasionally it can be used on teenagers who may have developed bad oral hygiene or do not maintain a balanced diet containing nutrients.

How does periodontal disease affect the tooth?

When left untreated, gingivitis and periodontitis cause extreme damage in the mouth that can cost a lot of money to repair and will require several sessions in the dental chair. The disease can infect the gums to the extent that they start to separate from the teeth creating gum pockets. Plaque and tartar then begin to form below the gum line and, in some cases, on the root of the tooth. The most severe of cases can result in the loss of teeth. Treatment for severe cases still involves periodontal cleaning; however, it can require more than four sessions. Cleaning at this point usually means deep scaling in order to remove plaque and calculus build-up from the roots of the teeth as well as on the surface of them. Severe cases sometimes involve surgical procedures where diseased gum tissue is removed and grafts are used to replace them.

How do you know if you have periodontitis?

One of the most common symptoms that you have periodontitis is the accumulation of calculus, otherwise known as tartar. The beginning stages of this may result in a calculus build-up on the gum line and even just below the gum tissue (gingiva). As soon as this is noticed it is advised to book an appointment with a dental professional as soon as possible due to the fast-developing issues that are associated with periodontitis. During your appointment, your dental hygienist a deep periodontal cleaning treatment will be performed, and you will be issued with detailed at-home care instructions. Depending on the condition of the periodontitis, several appointments may be required before it is fully neutralized.

How do you know if you have gingivitis?

The earliest signs of gingivitis are swollen gum tissue that appears bright red and may occasionally bleed. In some cases, the gums could feel quite sensitive and may present a throbbing feeling. Plaque and a sticky white film start to build upon the teeth, and when untreated it begins to harden into tartar (calculus). Gingivitis is incredibly familiar with a majority of adults experiencing it at some point in their lives. Treatment for gingivitis typically includes the use of specialized instruments in order to remove the plaque and calculus build up. In addition to plaque removal, the surface of the teeth is often polished and smoothed to prevent plaque and calculus building up again. Specific mouthwashes and toothpaste are sometimes prescribed so that the bacteria can be eliminated and to avoid gingivitis from returning. Again, periodontal cleaning is performed to ensure that oral health is recovered and that the disease does not reform.

Why is periodontal surgery important?

Maintaining healthy gums is important for your overall wellness. Having periodontal surgery can lower your chances of tooth loss and further gum damage. You may also be less likely to develop other health problems, such as:

What are the symptoms of periodontal surgery?

People with severe or advanced disease around their gums and the tissues that support their teeth are usually candidates for periodontal surgery. If you have gum disease, your symptoms might include: gums that are swollen, red, or bleeding. deep pockets that form between your gums and teeth. loose teeth.

What to eat after a syringe?

Many doctors recommend eating soft foods for a week or two after the procedure. Some examples of suitable foods include: 1 Jell-O 2 pudding 3 ice cream 4 yogurt 5 scrambled eggs 6 cottage cheese 7 pasta 8 mashed potatoes

How long before dental procedure can you stop taking pain relievers?

A couple of weeks before your procedure, you may need to stop taking certain medications, such as aspirin (Bayer, Bufferin), pain relievers, and blood thinners. Most dentists advise not smoking or drinking alcohol at least 24 hours before the procedure.

Who performs the surgery?

A dentist or periodontist performs the surgery. There are different types of surgical options. Your doctor will determine what type of surgery or surgeries are appropriate for your specific condition.

What is the procedure to replace a tooth root?

Bone grafting. If gum disease has damaged the bone surrounding your tooth root, your dentist might have to replace it with a graft. The bone graft can be made from small parts of your own bone, a synthetic bone, or donated bone. This procedure helps prevent tooth loss and may help promote natural bone regrowth.

How does flap surgery work?

Flap surgery. With this common procedure, surgeons make small cuts in your gum and lift a section of tissue back. Then, they remove tartar and bacteria from your tooth and from under your gums. The gums are sutured back, so the tissue fits firmly around your teeth.

Why do you need to see a periodontist?

Your general dentist may be able to treat some gum problems. But if you have gum disease that’s getting worse, a complex case, or the risk of tooth loss, your dentist will refer you to a periodontist.

What is a periodontist?

A periodontist is a specialist who treats issues that affect your gums and the bones in your mouth.

How to treat gum disease?

You may need to: Brush and floss teeth twice a day or after every meal. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Brush lightly.

Do you need a periodontist for gum disease?

However, more advanced gum disease -- or periodontitis -- may require more extensive treatment. That’s when you need to see a periodontist. They’ll review your dental and medical histories. Then they’ll do a dental exam to come up with the best treatment option. This could include both surgical and nonsurgical methods:

Why do my teeth look smaller?

When it goes untreated, this inflammation can make pockets form around your teeth. This raises your risk of infection that can lead to tooth loss . Swollen gums often make your teeth look smaller.

What is scaling and root planing?

Scaling and root planing are non-surgical treatments to remove plaque and tartar from deep under the gum line. These procedures are sometimes paired with antimicrobial or antibiotic medicines as well, depending on the case. A periodontist could also prescribe a tray delivery system for you to wear at home.

Can brushing your teeth cause gum recession?

A periodontist can fix this issue for cosmetic purposes, potentially lowering your risk of gum problems in the future. Gum recession that doesn’t result from too much brushing is usually a sign of later-stage gum disease , however.

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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.

What Is Periodontal Disease?

  • To determine whether you have periodontitis and how severe it is, your dentist may: 1. Review your medical historyto identify any factors that could be contributing to your symptoms, such as smoking or taking certain medications that cause dry mouth. 2. Examine your mouthto look for plaque and tartar buildup and check for easy bleeding. 3. Measure the pocket depthof the gr…
See more on mayoclinic.org

Causes

  • Treatment may be performed by a periodontist, a dentist or a dental hygienist. 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 toba…
See more on mayoclinic.org

Warning Signs

  • Try these measures to reduce or prevent periodontitis: 1. Brush your teeth twice a day or, better yet, after every meal or snack. 2. Use a soft toothbrush and replace it at least every three months. 3. Consider using an electric toothbrush, which may be more effective at removing plaque and tartar. 4. Floss daily. 5. Use a mouth rinse to help reduce plaque between your teeth, if recomm…
See more on mayoclinic.org

Risk Factors

  • You may start by seeing your dentist. Depending on the extent of your periodontitis, your dentist may refer you to a specialist in the treatment of periodontal disease (periodontist). Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment and what you can do to prepare.
See more on mayoclinic.org

Prevention and Treatment

  • Periodontal diseases are mainly the result of infections and inflammation of the gums and bone that surround and support the teeth. In its early stage, called gingivitis, the gums can become swollen and red, and they may bleed. In its more serious form, called periodontitis, the gums can pull away from the tooth, bone can be lost, and the teeth may loosen or even fall out. Periodont
See more on cdc.gov

What Is The CDC Doing About Periodontal Disease?

  • Bacteria in the mouth infect tissue surrounding the tooth, causing inflammation around the tooth leading to periodontal disease. When bacteria stay on the teeth long enough, they form a film called plaque, which eventually hardens to tartar, also called calculus. Tartar build-up can spread below the gum line, which makes the teeth harder to clean. Then, only a dental health professio…
See more on cdc.gov

Podcasts About Periodontal Disease and Diabetes

  • The following are warning signs of periodontal disease: 1. Bad breath or bad taste that won’t go away 2. Red or swollen gums 3. Tender or bleeding gums 4. Painful chewing 5. Loose teeth 6. Sensitive teeth 7. Gums that have pulled away from your teeth 8. Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite 9. Any change in the fit of partial dentures
See more on cdc.gov

Additional Resources

  • Certain factors increase the risk for periodontal disease: 1. Smoking 2. Diabetes 3. Poor oral hygiene 4. Stress 5. Heredity 6. Crooked teeth 7. Underlying immuno-deficiencies—e.g., AIDS 8. Fillings that have become defective 9. Taking medications that cause dry mouth 10. Bridges that no longer fit properly 11. Female hormonal changes, such as with pregnancy or the use of oral c…
See more on cdc.gov

Reference

  • Gingivitis can be controlled and treated with good oral hygiene and regular professional cleaning. More severe forms of periodontal disease can also be treated successfully but may require more extensive treatment. Such treatment might include deep cleaning of the tooth root surfaces below the gums, medications prescribed to take by mouth or placed directly under the gums, and som…
See more on cdc.gov

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