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What does periodontal treatment involve?
Initial periodontal therapy Scaling and root planing is the thorough cleaning of the root surfaces to remove plaque, calculus (tartar) and bacteria. It also involves the smoothing of root surfaces to prevent recurring build up and allow for reattachment of the gingiva (gum tissues).
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.
Can periodontal be cured?
Periodontitis can only be treated but cannot be cured. Gingivitis, on the other hand, can be prevented by maintaining proper oral hygiene practices and visiting the dentist for checkups and exams.
Is periodontal treatment painful?
Will treatment hurt? You can expect some discomfort from periodontal treatment, but it will probably be much less than you fear. The high fear factor is one of the reasons why people don't see the dentist soon enough when they notice symptoms.
How long does periodontal treatment take?
Most gum surgery procedures take around 2 hours to complete. In some cases, the surgery will require a person to be asleep or partially asleep during the procedure. Other times, the surgery only involves the use of a local anesthetic to numb the gums. The injection of the numbing medication can be mildly uncomfortable.
What is the main cause of periodontal disease?
Periodontal (gum) disease is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. It's typically caused by poor brushing and flossing habits that allow plaque—a sticky film of bacteria—to build up on the teeth and harden.
How much does periodontal treatment cost?
During this procedure, your dentist will clean the pocket carefully, removing tartar deposits after lifting up the gums to clean underneath them. The gums will then be sutured to fit more tightly around the tooth. This procedure typically costs between $1000 and $3000 without insurance.
Can you live with periodontal disease?
Living with periodontal disease can cause aesthetic complications and bone loss of a serious nature. Unlike other injuries, periodontal disease does not cause any pain. It is a silent disease when the teeth gum becomes inflamed and bleeds.
What are some of the early warning signs of periodontal disease?
Signs and symptoms of periodontitis can include:Swollen or puffy gums.Bright red, dusky red or purplish gums.Gums that feel tender when touched.Gums that bleed easily.Pink-tinged toothbrush after brushing.Spitting out blood when brushing or flossing your teeth.Bad breath.Pus between your teeth and gums.More items...•
What type of procedures does a periodontist perform?
Common Periodontic Procedures and TreatmentsNon-surgical Periodontal Treatment. Not all periodontal treatment involves a surgery of some sort. ... Scaling and Root Planing. ... Periodontics' Tray Delivery Systems. ... Dental Implants. ... Regeneration. ... Soft Tissue Grafting. ... Gingivectomy.
Do gums heal after deep cleaning?
Do gums reattach after deep cleaning? Yes, deep cleaning ensures gum reattachment by removing the obstructions, bacteria, plaque, and tartar from the roots of your teeth. By removing the infection and tartar, the dentist smoothens the roots, allowing your gums to heal around the teeth.
Should you floss with periodontitis?
Happily, with early detection, you can undo the damage and get back to good health. If you're experiencing any signs, a good regimen of brushing twice a day and flossing along with regular checkups with your dentist can reverse the condition.
What is Smiley CJ?
Smiley CJ, et al. Evidence-based clinical practice guideline on the nonsurgical treatment of chronic periodontitis by means of scaling and root planing with or without adjuncts. Journal of the American Dental Association. 2015; doi:10.1016/j.adaj.2015.01.026.
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.
Why do periodontists make incisions in gums?
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.
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 happens when you lose gum tissue?
When you lose gum tissue, your gumline recedes. You may need to have some of the damaged soft tissue reinforced. 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.
What is the procedure to cover exposed roots?
This can help reduce further gum recession, cover exposed roots and give your teeth a more pleasing appearance. Bone grafting. This procedure is performed when periodontitis has destroyed the bone surrounding your tooth root.
How to get ready for an appointment?
To get ready for your appointment, make a list of: Any symptoms you're experiencing, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason for your appointment. Key personal information, such as any medical conditions you may have.
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!
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.
How to reverse gingivitis?
It's reversible with daily brushing and flossing and regular professional dental care , as confirmed by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR). Since your at-home oral care routine is pivotal to fighting gum disease, you should use the products that best suit you. For example, not everyone is a fan of flossing (also known as interdental cleaning). The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research notes you can use water flossers for cleaning between your teeth. There are also mouthwashes meant to treat gingivitis, so swish around with one after you brush. Your dental professional may recommend a prescription-strength antimicrobial mouthwash to help reduce bacteria in hard-to-reach areas. Lastly, consider your diet. Avoid sugary foods and drinks as they contribute to tooth decay. Instead, build a well-balanced diet. It should consist of plenty of hydration, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, meats, and dairy to make a robust immune system ready to fight disease!
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.
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.
Why do dentists cover roots?
Your dental professional takes gum tissue from your palate or another source and uses it to cover the roots of one or more teeth. Covering exposed roots helps reduce sensitivity and protects your roots from decay while stopping further gum recession and bone loss.
What is the term for a tooth that is bleeding and has a foul odor?
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.
How to get rid of a periodontal infection?
Apply antibiotic gel, if prescribed. Your dentist or periodontist may prescribe you antibiotic gel to apply to your gums twice daily after brushing, flossing, and irrigation. This gel kills bacteria, and will help get your periodontal infection under control.
Why do you need to see your dentist after a periodontal cleaning?
After your deep cleaning, you will need to see your dentist more frequently so that she can measure the periodontal disease pockets and ensure that they are healing. If the disease is not improving sufficiently, she will then make recommendations for further treatment.
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 is the procedure to remove tartar from gums?
Undergo surgical treatment, if needed. In severe cases, periodontal disease must be addressed with surgery. The most basic surgical option is called flap surgery, in which your dentist or periodontist will make an incision in your gums, lifting them back to clean and remove the tartar, infected bone, and necrotic cementum underneath. The flap is then sutured back into place, up against your teeth. [11]
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.
How long do dental irrigators last?
Dental irrigators last up to several years and they are great for gum massage, getting rid of plaque, or cleaning around dental implants.
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 causes 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 professional can remove the tartar and stop the periodontal disease process.
What is the most serious form of tooth decay?
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.
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 ...
How to treat gingivitis?
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 sometimes corrective surgery.
What is the health resource and services administration?
The Health Resources and Services Administration. external icon. supports a network of “safety net” clinics for people who qualify for reduced-cost care, and many have a dental clinic (toll free: 1-888-275-4772). Most dental schools. external icon.
How to get rid of gum disease?
Brush and floss every day to remove the bacteria that cause gum disease.
How to prevent periodontitis?
Fortunately, you can prevent periodontitis through good oral hygiene. Brush and floss teeth regularly and see your dentist for checkups and cleanings. You can get rid of plaque before it builds up and causes problems. By doing so, you can keep your gum and teeth healthy for the long-term.
How to stop periodontitis from getting worse?
The sooner you get treatment, the more likely you can stop periodontitis from getting worse. Once you’ve had treatment, take good care of your teeth and gums to prevent gum disease from happening again.
Why do my gums bleed?
Periodontitis causes your gums to become very inflamed. They may turn red, swell and bleed. The inflammation is so severe that pockets of air also develop between your gums and teeth. Bacteria enter and flourish in these pockets, leading to infection below the gum line.
What is the condition that causes bleeding gums?
Periodontitis, a type of gum disease, is severe inflammation of the gums, with symptoms that include red, bleeding or swollen gums. If left untreated, periodontitis can lead to loss of teeth. Treatment may involve special deep cleaning and, in severe cases, surgery. Regular brushing and flossing can prevent periodontitis.
Why is periodontitis more likely to happen as you age?
Periodontitis is more likely to happen as you age, though. That’s because years of poor oral hygiene take their toll. Before you get periodontitis, you’ll develop gingivitis, a less severe form of gum disease. If you don’t get treatment for gingivitis, periodontitis can happen.
What does "recede" mean in dentistry?
Recede (tissue pulls back, so more of your teeth show).
What are the factors that increase the risk of periodontitis?
Other factors that can increase your periodontitis risk include: Smoking (most significant factor), since it weakens the body’s ability to fight infection. Diabetes, since people with diabetes are at higher risk for developing infections. Medications that lower the production of saliva, which protects your gums.
Diagnosis
- 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 groov…
Treatment
- 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 tob…
Lifestyle and Home Remedies
- 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 reduc...
Preparing For Your Appointment
- 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.