Gingivitis
Your dentist will determine if you have gingivitis. During a dental exam, your gums will be probed with a small ruler, which will check for inflammation, and the depths of pockets, if any. A normal depth is 1 to 3 millimeters. X-rays will also be ordered to check for bone loss.
Gingivitis Treatment
For treatment, you will have to undergo deep cleaning, not just routine of oral prophylaxis. You can have one of several techniques: scaling removes tartar from above and below the gum line, root planing smooths rough spots and removes plaque and tartar from the root surface, while lasers may remove tartar with less pain and bleeding than scaling and root planing.
You will also be prescribed antibiotics for the inflammation, such as doxycycline to keep away enzymes, antibiotic microspheres with minocycline inserted into pockets after scaling and planing or timed-release antiseptic chips containing chlorhexidine after planing, and an antiseptic mouthwash. If pockets are too deep, flap surgery may be advised.
SourceTalk to our Issaquah Dentist about Gingivitis
One must always remember that proper dental hygiene plays a role in keeping gingivitis at bay and even after, and more so, after your gingivitis treatment. Visit your Issaquah dentist for more information.
