Understanding Gum Disease: Treatment and Prevention

The Non-Surgical and Surgical Approaches

Gum disease is treatable and, in many cases, can be reversed if early intervention is applied. There are several options to manage and treat gum disease, from its early stage of gingivitis to periodontitis. Know your options and find out how this condition can be prevented.

Depending on the severity of gum disease different treatment modalities are offered by your dental professional. They can be non-surgical or surgical when necessary and if you are a candidate for it.

Nonsurgical modes involve controlling the growth and spread of bacteria. They are: Prescribing antibiotics. Your dentist may prescribe oral antibiotics for a period of time. The aim is to eradicate the pathogens that have been causing the infection. Your dentist may also give you an antibacterial injection directly into your gums and you would have to follow it up with the oral form accompanied by instructions.

Root planing and scaling is also non-surgical. It is nothing more than a deep cleaning of your teeth down to its roots. That means the cleaning has to reach under the gums. This can ensure that all bacterial plaque and hard tartar are removed. This is a professional cleaning performed at the dental office typically done every six months. It’s preventive. However, your dentist may encourage more frequent cleanings if you have gum disease already.

Surgical approaches involve surgery that aims to restore damaged supporting tissue. They are:
Flap surgery. It is for advanced or severe cases of gum disease. It involves surgically lifting the gums to rid the infected teeth of deep debris and tartar, and then the gums are replaced to snugly fit around the teeth involved, to leave no space between for bacterial entry.

Soft tissue grafts are indicated for those whose gums have already receded, where pockets have already appeared between gum and tooth, or if the gums have thinned. Soft grafted tissue from the roof of the mouth is stitched in place to add some bulk to the affected part. Bone grafts involve the use of your own bone piece, synthetic or donated bone to be grafted to replace any bone destroyed by the disease. The graft will be the base for new bone growth so that teeth stability can be restored.

How do you prevent gum disease?

Prevention is key to being able to preserve your healthy gums. Proper and diligent oral hygiene routine is essential. Brushing twice a day and flossing once daily can keep bacteria at bay. A good medicinal mouthwash may be prescribed as an additional preventive measure. A healthy diet, avoidance of smoking, and keeping regular dentist visits are also important.

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Looking After Gum Health in Issaquah

When you visit your Issaquah dentist, rest assured that we are just as concerned with your gum health as that of your teeth – for complete and optimal oral health.