Periodontitis and Its Various Treatment Methods

Periodontitis is a severe bacterial gum infection that damages the soft tissues. It is also known as gum disease. If it goes for long without one getting treatment from a professional dentist near me or any qualified dental practitioner, it can destroy the bone that supports the teeth. The most common symptoms of periodontitis include:

• Bleeding gums
• Bad breath
• Receding gums
• Tooth loss
• Pain when chewing
• Swollen or tender gums

Periodontal Treatment

• Scaling and planing

This is a non-surgical procedure done under local anesthetic. In the scaling process, our dentist in Spring Creek removes all the plaque and calculus above and below the gum. This is to ensure that it is clean way down to the bottom of the socket. This can be done by an ultrasonic device that breaks up the plaque and calculus or by the use of hand tools. This is important to restore periodontal health. The rough areas around the root of the tooth are then smoothened out through root planing. This is necessary because bacteria might lodge within the rough patches increasing the risks of gum diseases. Smoothing also helps provide a clean surface for the gums to reattach to the teeth. The number of dental visits is entirely dependent on the amount of plaque and calculus there is. It may take one or two visits. Cleaning is also recommended as often as possible, depending on how much the plaque accumulates.

• Good oral hygiene

Good oral hygiene is achieved by brushing the teeth at least twice a day and flossing once a day. Bleeding gums when brushing your teeth may be an indication of a possible gum infection. You should seek professional help from a reputable dental facility like Spring Creek Forest Dental for treatment. In instances where there are gaps between the teeth, an interdental brush comes in handy. If the spaces between the teeth are smaller, use soft picks. Arthritis patients may find electric toothbrushes better for thorough cleaning. Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease. Reoccurrence of this disease is very common, primarily if good oral hygiene is not maintained.

• Medications

There are many medicated types of mouthwash and other treatments available in the market. Some of them include

• Antiseptic chip – This is a small gelatin piece filled with chlorhexidine. It is placed in the pockets after root planing. It helps in reducing the periodontal pocket size and controls the bacteria. Over time the medication is resealed.
• Prescription antimicrobial mouth rinse. It is used after dental surgery and also to control bacteria when treating gum disease. Patients use it just like they would a regular mouthwash.
• Oral antibiotics. It is available in capsule or tablet form. They are taken orally. They are short term treatment plan for acute or locally persistent periodontal infection.
• Antibiotic gel. It is a slow-release medication containing an antibiotic called doxycycline. It is placed in the sockets after scaling and planing to help in shrinking periodontal pockets and controls the bacteria.
• Bone and tissue grafts

This procedure helps in bone regeneration or gum tissue that has been destroyed. Where the bone was lost, a synthetic or donated bone is used as a replacement. The graft acts as a platform for the regrowth of the bone, which restores teeth stability.

• Flap surgery

Flap surgery is a procedure performed by our dentist in Spring TX, 77379, and it involves lifting the gum and restoring it once the tartar is removed. Its primary purpose is to remove the calculus in deep pockets or to reduce pockets. Irregular surfaces of the damaged bone are smoothened in some cases. This is done to limit areas disease-causing bacteria can hide. They then suture the gums into place so that they fit closely to the teeth. The gums will heal after the surgery and fit tightly around the tooth. It is noted that in some cases, the teeth tend to appear longer than before. This is caused by the reduction of the size of space between the teeth and the gum.

• Guided tissue regeneration

This is a surgical procedure done in combination with flap surgery. A small mesh-like fabric is inserted between the gum and bone tissue. It directs new bone and gum tissue growth at the places where one or both are lacking. It focuses on tissue regeneration and repair defects caused by periodontitis.

Ways to Prevent Periodontitis

• Good oral hygiene. Brushing teeth twice a day helps remove any film of plaque and prevents its buildup. Anti-plaque toothpaste, together with a soft bristle brush, is highly recommended. Flossing in between teeth also removes food particles caught in between the teeth. Gargling mouthwash regularly also aids in maintaining healthy oral hygiene.
• Avoid the use of tobacco. Smoking weakens the immune system, which makes it harder to fight off a gum infection. Tobacco use also inflames the gums tissue and can aggravate an existing periodontal condition.
• Visit the dentist regularly. In a typical routine checkup, the dentist on Louetta Spring Tx removes the tartar and plaque buildup. It can only be done through professional cleaning. If signs of gum disease are noted, your dentist may recommend professional dental cleaning more than twice a year. However, they are not a treatment of active gum disease but can help stave off its development.

Schedule an Appointment

Still confused about the various treatment methods? Call us now to schedule an appointment with our dentist near you at Spring Creek Forest Dental in Spring, TX. We also cater to patients residing in Park at Cypresswood, Kleinwood, Terranova, Estates at Windrush, Klein, Oakwood Glen West, Memorial Creek, Louetta, Cypresswood, Woods of Northgate, and their surrounding communities.