If you have recently found out that you have gum disease, you aren’t alone. Also referred to as periodontitis, this condition affects almost half of North Americans over the age of thirty. When left untreated, an unfortunate consequence of gum disease is tooth loss. Luckily, today, there are many options for gum disease treatment near you. In this blog post, our team at Silverado Dental Wellness will cover the signs of gum disease and your options for treatment.
The Stages of Gum Disease
A significant indication of gum disease is inflammation, which is our body’s natural response to infection. If you want to avoid dealing with puffy gums, then recognizing and acting upon the signs and symptoms of gum disease is vital. Gum disease is progressive and can be broken down into stages.
The first stage is called gingivitis, which occurs when plaque is not properly removed from your teeth. When left untreated, gingivitis can evolve into periodontitis. This is when toxins from the plaque affect your gums and the supporting tissues around your teeth. In its most advanced form, gum disease can lead to tooth loss.
Preventing and Reversing Gum Disease
While advanced gum disease will require more complex treatments, you can reverse gingivitis. With daily brushing and flossing, and regular visits to a dentist in Somerset, you can fight gingivitis and reverse its effects. Ensure that you brush twice a day, floss each evening, and see a dentist at least once every six months. You can also benefit from using an antibacterial mouthwash once a day and maintaining a low-sugar diet that is plentiful in fruits and vegetables.
Treatment Options for Advanced Gum Disease
When gum disease has progressed to a certain point, you will require more rigorous treatments. Here are some of the more common methods used for gum disease treatment in Silverado:
#1 Non-Surgical Treatment
If possible, a dentist will always attempt a more conservative, non-surgical approach called scaling and root planing. During this treatment, a dentist will scrape and remove plaque and tartar from your teeth and below your gum line. They will smooth roughened tooth roots to prevent bacteria from gathering there. Sometimes, this procedure can take more than one visit. Within a few weeks of treatment, your dentist will check your healing and determine if you require further treatment.
#2 Laser Therapy
Lasers have become an essential tool in dentistry, and they can also be used to address gum disease. A dentist may use a laser to perform gum and tooth contouring near you, which works to rejuvenate and restore healthy gum tissue while eliminating diseased and infected tissue. Lasers can target disease precisely and are minimally invasive, making them an excellent option for gum disease treatment.
#3 Pocket Reduction
If you have a more severe form of gum disease, then it might be challenging to figure out how to get your teeth clean again and strengthen loosened teeth. If your gum tissue is still not fitting snugly around your teeth after scaling and root planing, then you may require pocket reduction surgery. In this scenario, a dentist will fold back your gum tissue to remove bacteria and smooth damaged bone, allowing the gum tissue to reattach to healthy underlying structures.
Why Acting Fast is Important
The sooner you seek treatment for gum disease, the better your chances of saving your oral health and preventing the need for invasive and costly procedures. Besides implementing an excellent oral hygiene routine and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, it is important to visit your dentist frequently so that they can monitor your gum health.