GUM DISEASE TREATMENT (Gingivitis)Gingivitis is the medical term for early gum disease, or periodontal disease. In general, gum disease can be caused by long-term exposure to plaque, the sticky but colorless film on teeth that forms after eating or sleeping.
Gum disease originates in the gums, where infections form from harmful bacteria and other materials left behind from eating. Early warning signs include:
Although gum disease is the major cause of tooth loss in adults, in many cases it is avoidable. If gingivitis goes untreated, more serious problems such as abscesses, bone loss or periodontitis can occur. Periodontitis is treated in a number of ways. One method, called root planing, involved cleaning and scraping below the gum line to smooth the roots. If effective, this procedure helps the gums reattach themselves to the tooth structure.
Pregnancy has also been known to cause a form of gingivitis. This has been linked to hormonal changes in the woman's body that promote plaque production.
Stages Of Gum Disease
1). Gingivitis The mildest form of the diseases, gingivitis causes the gums to become red, swell and bleed easily. There is usually little or no discomfort at this stage. Gingivitis is reversible with professional treatment and good home oral care.
2). Mild Periodontitis If gingivitis is left untreated, it can advance to periodontitis. In the mild stage, periodontal diseases begin to destroy the bone and tissue that support the teeth.
3). Moderate-to-Advanced Periodontitis In the mid-stages, periodontal diseases can lead to more bone and tissue destruction. The most advanced form of these diseases includes extensive bone and tissue loss. Teeth often become loose and may have to be removed.
Without diligent home oral care, including brushing and flossing and regular trips to the dentist, you put yourself at risk for gum disease.
Following are some of the procedures that periodontists use to treat patients diagnosed with a periodontal (gum) disease.
Non-Surgical Treatments American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) treatment guidelines stress that periodontal health should be achieved in the least invasive and most cost-effective manner. This is often accomplished through non-surgical periodontal treatment, including scaling and root planing (a careful cleaning of the root surfaces to remove plaque and calculus [tartar] from deep periodontal pockets and to smooth the tooth root to remove bacterial toxins), followed by adjunctive therapy such as local delivery antimicrobials and host modulation, as needed on a case-by-case basis.
Most periodontists would agree that after scaling and root planing, many patients do not require any further active treatment, including surgical therapy. However, the majority of patients will require ongoing maintenance therapy to sustain health. Non-surgical therapy does have its limitations, however, and when it does not achieve periodontal health, surgery may be indicated to restore periodontal anatomy damaged by periodontal diseases and to facilitate oral hygiene practices.
Periodontal Surgery If you're diagnosed with periodontal disease, your periodontist may recommend periodontal surgery. Periodontal surgery is necessary when your periodontist determines that the tissue around your teeth is unhealthy and cannot be repaired with non-surgical treatment.
Following are the four types of surgical treatments most commonly prescribed:
If you are concerned about the condition of gums and need to see a specialist, you may schedule a consultation with Dr. Purifoy by calling 817-738-2334.
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William L. Purifoy, DDS Periodontics & Implant Surgery
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