Periodontal Disease
Athens, AL
 Periodontitis, often called gum disease, is a dental complication that causes severe damage if left untreated. This oral infection damages the soft gum tissue around teeth and can result in the loss of bone mass, eventually leading to tooth loss.
The good news is that periodontal disease can be prevented through proper oral care practices, such as regular brushing and flossing. At Singing River Dentistry, we leverage extensive expertise to identify telltale signs of deterioration and recommend effective solutions before things get out of hand.
Request an Appointment
What Is Periodontal (Gum) Disease?
Periodontal, or gum disease is a chronic and potentially severe dental problem characterized by the infection and inflammation of the soft gum tissue surrounding teeth. If you experience symptoms like swollen, red, and bleeding gums, it shows gingivitis, a precursor of periodontitis.
However, if gingivitis is not treated, it can progress, compromising oral health. The primary cause of gum disease is plaque buildup on teeth and gums. When plaque is not removed, it hardens into tartar, causing the growth of harmful bacteria and gum tissue damage. To avoid such issues, practice regular oral hygiene to prevent infection and progression.
Can Gum Disease Be Reversed?
During the early stages of gum disease (gingivitis), professional dental practitioners can reverse it with proper periodontal care and hygiene practices. Good oral hygiene, which includes regular brushing, flossing, and professional dental cleanings, can eliminate gingivitis and restore gum health. However, once gum disease progresses into periodontitis, it causes significant damage to the gum tissue and bone, making reversal challenging. While advanced periodontitis may not be fully reversible, dental professionals can still manage and treat it effectively to prevent further deterioration and tooth loss.
What Is Periodontal (Gum) Treatment?
Periodontal gum treatment, or periodontal therapy, encompasses various dental procedures that address and manage stages of gum disease, including gingivitis and periodontitis. These treatments ease inflammation, control infection, and prevent further damage to the gum tissue and supporting bone. Common periodontal treatments include scaling and root planing, which involves the removal of plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line. Other interventions include antibiotic therapy to combat bacterial infection, surgical procedures like gum flap surgery, and tissue or bone grafting to repair damaged gum and bone tissue. Periodontal gum treatment improves oral health, reduces the risk of tooth loss, and promotes overall well-being by addressing the underlying causes of gum disease.
What Is Periodontal (Gum) Maintenance?
Periodontal or gum maintenance is an essential aspect of ongoing oral care for individuals who have undergone treatment for gum disease, especially advanced periodontitis. This routine maintenance program involves regular visits to the dentist or periodontist to monitor and manage gum health after the initial consultation.
Periodontal maintenance includes professional cleanings, thorough gum examinations, and the assessment of pocket depths to ensure gum disease does not progress or return. We recommend follow-up visits to remove residual plaque or tartar buildup, identify early signs of gum disease recurrence, and recommend effective solutions to prevent further development.
What Is Laser LANAP Periodontal Treatment?
Laser LANAP (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure) periodontal treatment is an innovative and minimally invasive approach for addressing gum disease, especially in moderate to severe periodontitis. This technique leverages a specialized dental laser to target and remove infected or damaged gum tissue while preserving healthy tissue. LANAP is synonymous with precision and the ability to stimulate the regeneration of lost bone and connective tissue that support teeth.
The dentist will insert a tiny laser fiber into the pockets between the gums and teeth, eliminating bacteria and diseased tissue. LANAP encourages gum reattachment to the tooth surfaces and facilitates the natural healing processes. This is a significant advancement in periodontal treatment, offering a less invasive and more comfortable option for patients with periodontal disease.
What Does Periodontal Treatment Involve?
Periodontal treatment has various dental procedures and interventions to address and manage gum disease. The specific treatments dentists recommend vary depending on the severity of the condition. Common procedures include scaling and root planing, which involves the removal of plaque and tartar from the gum line. In more advanced cases, surgical interventions like gum flap surgery or pocket reduction may be necessary to promote healing.
Surgical Treatment for Periodontal Disease
Surgical treatment for periodontal disease is a specialized approach to address advanced stages of gum disease, such as severe periodontitis. When non-surgical methods are not sufficient, your dentist may recommend surgical intervention. This helps to stop the progression of the disease, allowing for damaged tissue repair and enhanced gum health. Common surgical procedures include flap surgery, bone grafting, and guided tissue regeneration.
Non Surgical Periodontal Treatments?
Non-surgical periodontal treatments are usually the initial approach to managing gum disease, especially in its early stages of gingivitis and moderate periodontitis. We use these treatments to control and improve gum health without invasive surgical procedures. Common non-surgical periodontal treatments include scaling and root planing, a deep cleaning procedure to remove plaque and tartar from the gum line. In addition, these techniques smooth out root surfaces to discourage further bacterial buildup. Another effective non-surgical approach is antibiotic therapy, which helps fight bacterial infection.
Can You Get Braces After Periodontal Treatment
Whether you can get braces after periodontal treatment depends on your oral health and the recommendations of the dental or orthodontic professionals. If you have undergone successful periodontal treatment previously and your gum disease is under control, we can consider orthodontic treatment like braces. However, you should consult your periodontist and orthodontist to ensure your gums are stable enough to withstand braces. After a comprehensive assessment, we consider factors such as the severity of the disease and the overall oral health and condition of your teeth.
Is Periodontal Disease Treatment Painful?
Periodontal disease treatment often comes with some discomfort, but it can vary depending on pain tolerance, the severity of the gum disease, and the specific procedures involved. If you come in for periodontal treatment like scaling and root planing, you may experience mild discomfort or sensitivity. However, you can tolerate the feeling with the help of local anesthesia or numbing agents to minimize pain. More invasive procedures, such as gum surgery, may cause post-operative discomfort, which is managed with prescribed or over-the-counter pain medications.
Contact Us Today!
Periodontal disease is a chronic infection that begins with gingivitis and, if not addressed promptly, can progress into periodontitis, causing tooth loss and systemic health concerns. The dental experts at Singing River Dentistry can help you maintain a rigorous oral care routine, which includes regular professional dental checkups. Contact us at (256) 293-5393 to access comprehensive dental care and timely treatment and enjoy a healthier smile and overall well-being.
Request an Appointment
|
