Scaling and root planing is a straightforward procedure for treating gum disease. It may also be called a deep cleaning. Pocket depth reduction procedures: Your dentist will open up the affected gum tissue so that disease-causing bacteria and calculus build-up can be removed.
How to reverse periodontal disease at home without surgery?
Treatment - Gum disease
- Oral hygiene. See the teeth cleaning guide for more information and advice about how to keep your teeth clean. ...
- Dental treatments. Some of the dental treatments described here may also be recommended if you have gum disease. ...
- Acute necrotising ulcerative gingivitis. ...
- Stopping smoking. ...
Is it possible to cure periodontal disease?
The good news is that it is possible to cure periodontal disease. Below are some of the aspects of periodontal disease treatment that can be expected. Behavior Change. This is one of the first things the dentist will recommend as part of your treatment. Because plaque is the root cause of periodontal disease, it is essential that it is removed every day.
What kind of Doctor treats gum disease?
Treatments offered by a periodontist
- Root canal. A root canal is a process of drilling into the tooth to remove decay from inside the roots of the tooth.
- Gum grafting. Gum grafting is a surgical option that can prevent bone loss and gum recession from progressing. ...
- Teeth scaling. Teeth scaling is a common cleaning procedure. ...
- Jawbone grafts. ...
- Dental implants. ...
What dentist specializes in gums?
- Oral pathologists specialize in injuries in the head and neck. They identify, manage, and sometimes treat these diseases. ...
- Oral radiologists interpret dental X-rays to diagnose specific head and neck conditions. Think of them as similar to medical radiologists. ...
- Oral surgeons are tooth extraction specialists. ...
Can a dentist fix gum disease?
While gum disease can be effectively treated in the early stages, advanced periodontal disease, often called periodontitis, can't be reversed.
What do dentists give you for gum disease?
Other antibiotics, including doxycycline, tetracycline, and minocycline (Arestin) may also be used to treat gum disease, as determined by your dentist. Toothpaste. Some nonprescription toothpastes that are marked as antibacterial may contain fluoride and an antibiotic called triclosan to reduce plaque and gingivitis.
What's the best treatment for gum disease?
Topical or oral antibiotics can help control bacterial infection. 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.
Can I heal gum disease?
A person can be free of gum disease with an aggressive approach. The dentist can also employ methods such as scaling and root planing to help the patient heal. These processes are ways of deep-cleaning the gumline and eliminating bacteria. Surgical procedures are also available to halt the disease.
What are the 4 stages of periodontal disease?
Know The 4 Stages of Gum Disease1: Gingivitis. The first stage of gum disease is Gingivitis or gums inflammation, without loss of bone. ... Stage 2: Initial Periodontitis. ... Stage 3: Mild Periodontitis. ... Stage 4: Progressive Periodontitis.
How long does it take to treat gum disease?
You can expect to see improvements after a few days of treatment, but it may take a while for symptoms to go away completely. In most cases, gingivitis usually clears up within 10 to 14 days. If your gingivitis is more serious, it could take longer to treat.
Will I lose my teeth if I have periodontal disease?
Periodontitis is a severe gum infection that can lead to tooth loss and other serious health complications. Periodontitis (per-e-o-don-TIE-tis), also called gum disease, is a serious gum infection that damages the soft tissue and, without treatment, can destroy the bone that supports your teeth.
Can teeth be saved with periodontal disease?
Saving teeth from periodontal disease is possible if you detect the signs and symptoms early or regularly visit your dentist for cleanings and exams. Let the condition progress unhindered, and tooth loss should be considered as an eventuality.
What is the fastest way to get rid of a gum infection?
Salt water is extremely effective in helping to heal gums affected by gum disease. Salt water can treat inflammation, ease pain, and reduce bacteria in the mouth and gums. Rinsing with salt water 2-3 times a day can be effective in battling a gum infection.
Is gum treatment painful?
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. You may instead feel some movement or pressure as your periodontist performs the procedure.
Is gum disease permanent?
So how do I cure gum disease? Gum disease can be cured. Essentially, it's all about removing bacteria from your mouth and allowing the gums to heal back to a healthy state. If you want to get rid of gum disease, the first step is to get the right education so that you know how to clean your teeth effectively at home.
Is mouthwash good for gum disease?
Mouthwash Use, Along With Brushing & Flossing, Can Help Prevent Gum Disease. In clinical studies, it's been shown that antibacterial mouthwashes can reduce plaque biofilm, kill bacteria in hard-to-reach places below the gums, and eliminate bacteria on non-tooth oral surfaces including the cheeks, tongue, and more.
HOW A DENTAL CHECK UP CAN SPOT GINGIVITIS
During the first part of a dental check up your dentist may take what is called a 'history', which helps the dentist to build up a picture of your health and risk factors. You may be asked questions like these:
HOW CAN YOUR DENTIST HELP?
If your dentist diagnoses gingivitis he or she may suggest you have a professional clean, called a 'scale and polish'. This can be done by either the dentist or a hygienist and is designed to remove stubborn build up of plaque bacteria to get your teeth really clean.
HOW OFTEN DO I NEED TO SEE MY DENTIST?
Your dentist will advise you as to when you should visit for check-ups. If you experience any problems or symptoms in between visits you should make an appointment immediately.
How to treat gum disease?
Some treatments for gum disease are surgical. Some examples are: Flap surgery/pocket reduction surgery. During this procedure the gums are lifted back and the tartar is removed. In some cases, irregular surfaces of the damaged bone are smoothed to limit areas where disease-causing bacteria can hide.
Why are gums placed around teeth?
The gums are then placed so that the tissue fits snugly around the tooth. This method reduces the size of the space between the gum and tooth, thereby decreasing the areas where harmful bacteria can grow and decreasing the chance of serious health problems associated with periodontal disease. Bone grafts.
How long does it take for a tooth to heal from root planing?
The medication is available as a mouth rinse or as a gelatin-filled chip that is placed in pockets after root planing and releases the medication slowly over about 7 days. Other antibiotics, including doxycycline, tetracycline, and minocycline (Arestin) may also be used to treat gum disease, as determined by your dentist.
Why is the bone around the tooth reshaped after flap surgery?
Smoothes shallow craters in the bone due to moderate and advanced bone loss. Following flap surgery, the bone around the tooth is reshaped to decrease the craters. This makes it harder for bacteria to collect and grow.
What is the procedure to fill gums?
Soft tissue grafts. This procedure reinforces thin gums or fills in places where gums have receded. Grafted tissue, most often taken from the roof of the mouth, is stitched in place, adding tissue to the affected area. Guided tissue regeneration.
Can a periodontist perform a dental procedure?
Your dentist or periodontist is able to perform most procedures in their office. The time needed to perform the procedure, your degree of discomfort, and time needed to heal will vary from patient to patient depending on the type and extent of the procedure and your overall health.
What is gum 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.
What is the most common cause of tooth loss?
Periodontal disease is the most common cause of tooth loss among adults. Overall, the prevalence of both moderate and severe periodontal disease in adults and Seniors has decreased from the early 1970s. In spite of this improvement, significant disparities remain in some population groups. Show All Data & Stats.
Different Stages of Gum Disease
There are two main types of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is the least severe type of gum disease. In a gingivitis case, bacteria irritate your gums, causing them to become inflamed and to bleed easily.
Gingivitis, Simpler to Treat
Since gingivitis is the least severe form of gum disease, it’s generally simple to treat at home using a regular, thorough oral hygiene routine. This means you should brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day, floss at least once a day, and use an antibacterial mouthwash daily.
Periodontitis, More Complex
Periodontitis is a more advanced form of gum disease, so it takes more involved treatments at a dental office to kick it to the curb. Thankfully, modern dentistry has plenty of nonsurgical and surgical treatment options to help your gums conquer periodontitis and get back to full health.
Root Scaling and Planing
Scaling and planing are two nonsurgical treatment options that are often used together to treat periodontitis. Root scaling involves your dentist administering a localized anesthetic before performing a deep clean on your gums, using specially designed tools to clean bacteria from the surface of your tooth roots.
Pocket Reduction Procedure
During this surgical procedure, your dentist numbs your mouth and then makes a small incision in your gums. This allows the dentist to fold your gums back so that they can clean your tooth roots directly, allowing for a more thorough removal of bacteria.
Periodontal Abscess Treatment
Periodontal abscesses are a potential symptom of advanced periodontitis. This is a localized infection on your gums that looks like a red, swollen knot or bump on your gums and can be quite painful. Thankfully, treating this symptom of gum disease is relatively simple. Your dentist will need to drain the abscess and clean the area incredibly well.
Gum Grafts
Any stage of periodontitis can lead to gum recession, but as it progresses and gum recession worsens, it can begin to expose the sensitive roots of your teeth.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
What is the procedure called when you have to remove tartar from your gums?
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.
Causes
- Our mouths are full of bacteria. These bacteria, along with mucus and other particles, constantly form a sticky, colorless “plaque” on teeth. Brushing and flossing help get rid of plaque. Plaque that is not removed can harden and form “tartar” that brushing doesn’t clean. Only a professional cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist can remove tartar. There are a number of risk factors fo…
Symptoms
- Symptoms of gum disease include: 1. Bad breath 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. Receding gums or longer appearing teeth.
Diagnosis
- At a dental visit, a dentist or dental hygienist will: 1. Examine your gums and note any signs of inflammation. 2. Use a tiny ruler called a “probe” to check for and measure any pockets around the teeth. In a healthy mouth, the depth of these pockets is usually between 1 and 3 millimeters. This test for pocket depth is usually painless. 3. Ask abou...
Treatment
- 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 the patient keep up good daily care at home. The dentist may also suggest changing certain behaviors, such as quitting smoking, as a way to improve your treatment results.
Helpful Tips
- You can keep your gums and teeth healthy by: 1. Brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste. 2. Flossing regularly to remove plaque from between teeth. Or, you can use a device such as a special brush, wooden or plastic pick, or a “water flosser” recommended by a dental professional. 3. Visiting the dentist routinely for a check-up and professional cleaning. 4. Quittin…
Additional Resources
- Periodontal Disease(link is external) Information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention about the causes of periodontal disease, its warning signs, risk factors, and prevention and t...
- MedlinePlus: Gum Disease The NIH National Library of Medicine's collection of links to government, professional, and non-profit/voluntary organizations with information on periodo…
- Periodontal Disease(link is external) Information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention about the causes of periodontal disease, its warning signs, risk factors, and prevention and t...
- MedlinePlus: Gum Disease The NIH National Library of Medicine's collection of links to government, professional, and non-profit/voluntary organizations with information on periodontal disease and g...
