Gum disease is the primary cause of tooth loss in adults. Untreated, what seems like a minor condition can cause devastation to the supporting structures of the tooth – ultimately leading to tooth loss. Are you wondering how to treat gum disease? The answer depends on what stage the disease has reached – or whether it has progressed to advanced periodontal disease.
What is gum disease?
Gum disease starts as an infection caused by bacterial plaque that accumulates in the mouth. If you do not treat the condition, it becomes more aggressive as it progresses. There are four stages to the disease:
- Gingivitis
- Mild periodontal disease
- Moderate periodontal disease
- Advanced periodontal disease
The treatment needed to remedy gum disease ranges from at-home care to surgical treatments carried out by periodontal dentists (specialists in gum health). In between, there are a range of conservative dentistry measures to reverse the disease if caught early enough or halt its progression to the more severe stages.
How to treat gum disease?
Have an effective oral hygiene routine
Believe it or not, brushing the teeth twice daily in the morning and before going to bed, plus flossing once a day is one of the best ways of preventing and treating gum disease. Cleaning the teeth removes the plaque that attacks gums and teeth. Regular visits to the dentist—who can spot and deal with any health problems early—also help prevent gum disease. If you have the early onset of gum disease (gingivitis), you can cure it by stepping up your cleaning routine.
Thus, an effective oral hygiene regimen can effectively eliminate bacteria and prevent it from taking hold by preventing disease. Also, it is crucial in stopping periodontal disease from becoming worse.
Scaling and root planing
Scaling and root planing is a two-stage deep cleaning process carried out under a local anaesthetic by a dentist or dental hygienist. For anyone who has periodontal disease, it is likely to be part of their regular treatment regimen. It is a conventional periodontal treatment that removes dental plaque between the teeth and underneath the gum line.
Even with a thorough oral hygiene routine, plaque can still form on the teeth—particularly in hard-to-reach areas. If not removed, the plaque hardens to calculus (tartar)—the chalky, hard deposits accumulating on the backs, bottom and in between the teeth.
Scaling is the process of removing hardened plaque from the teeth using a combination of hand tools. The plaque is removed from the tooth’s surfaces and around the gum line, where periodontal pockets form. These pockets form when the gums begin to pull away from the teeth as the periodontal disease worsens, which is not great for oral health. They provide a haven for bacteria to accumulate.
Once this hardened plaque is removed, root planing is performed to smooth the tooth roots, which helps the gums reattach to the teeth and form a barrier that makes it difficult for bacteria to penetrate.
Periodontal surgery
Scaling and root planing is very effective in treating periodontal disease. If the disease has progressed to the moderate or severe stages, though, you may require surgery. Some of those procedures include:
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Flap surgery
This type of surgery is carried out on inpiduals who have deep periodontal pockets where tartar has formed. The treatment involves lifting the gums to expose the tooth roots. Your dentist will thoroughly clean the area and the tartar removed. Sometimes, this procedure may require reshaping the bone too. Once the area is clean, the gums are stitched back into position around the teeth.
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Bone grafting
Bone grafts may be necessary if the bone surrounding a tooth root is damaged or lost. The surgeon will graft new bone into the area, which he may source from elsewhere on your body. It may be donated by someone else or made from a synthetic, biocompatible material. The graft will help keep the tooth in place while the new bone will generate new cells to replace the lost or damaged bone.
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Guided tissue regeneration
A mesh-like material is placed between the jawbone and gum tissue to allow connective tissue and bone to regrow.
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Tissue grafting
Soft tissue grafting can help with gum recession. The tissue often comes from elsewhere in the mouth cavity, such as the roof of the mouth.
Other treatment options for gum disease
New techniques on how to treat gum disease will likely increase as new medical and scientific technology emerge. Some technologies, such as laser therapy, are already being used extensively in medical and dental applications. Although more research is needed about the effectiveness of lasers in treating periodontal disease, some dentists are already using them to reduce periodontal pockets and restore damaged tissues.
Similarly, treatments to regenerate periodontal tissue are likely to feature in the future. The medical profession is already using Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in various medical applications.
How to treat gum disease – The takeaway
Various treatments can manage the periodontal disease—although it is essential to note that none can cure it entirely once gum disease has progressed beyond gingivitis. However, you can prevent gum disease entirely by sticking to a good daily oral cleaning routine – a small effort to avoid a lifetime disease.
If you have any concerns about your dental health, give us a call on (02) 4501 7930 and come in for a chat with our friendly team.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
