Periodontal Disease  Treatment | Many patients believe bleeding gums is a common occurrence when brushing their teeth. What they don’t know is that they may be in the early stages of periodontal diseases.

Periodontal comes from a combination of two words; ‘peri’ and ‘odontal.’ Peri meaning ‘around’ and odontal is referring to ‘teeth.’ In conjunction, periodontal diseases are infections surrounding the teeth structure.

The teeth structure includes the gums and cementum covering the root, the ligament, and alveolar bone. Periodontal disease in its earliest stage affects gums only and its late stage, the supporting tissues.

Signs and symptoms of Periodontal Disease

• Swollen, tender, red and bleeding gums are the first symptoms of bacterial gum infection. If not taken care of, the bacteria may spread and affect the jawbone.
• Gums moving away
• Bad breath
• Loose teeth and visible pus around the teeth and gums

From Gingivitis to Periodontitis

As aforementioned, gum disease inflammation may progress to the bone structure beneath that supports the teeth. Gum disease progresses in three stages from least to most severe.

Gingivitis, the initial stage occurs when you fail to remove bacterial plaques around your teeth. Gums become red, swollen and often bleed as a sign. The condition is however easily reversible when you brush your teeth. You can also book an appointment with a dentist for a professional cleaning service.

When gingivitis is not treated, it can progress to a more severe condition known as periodontitis. You see, continual toxin build up and end up affecting the gum tissue and bone ligaments supporting your teeth. In the end, it loosens your teeth forcing a surgical treatment or a tooth extrication. But it doesn’t have to get to this point.

Treatments

Scaling and Root Planing

A conservative and non-surgical procedure known as scaling and root planning can be your teeth’s savior before the problem worsens to periodontitis.  Make an effort of having your teeth cleaned by a professional. You see, when having them cleaned, the dentist removes plaques and tartar off your teeth and root surface.

It may take more than a single visit to your dentist. Anesthesia may also be used during the procedure to prevent any discomfort. After the process, you will notice that gums are healing and reattaching themselves. The dentist decides if further treatment is necessary

Pocket Reduction Procedure

If after scaling and root planing the gum tissues are still not fitting and other problems persist, then a pocket reduction procedure may be the next necessary step. The dentist can reverse the problem and remove infectious bacteria and smooth damaged areas by folding the gum tissues.

Gum Graft and Regenerative Procedures

Gum grafting is another procedure that can stop gum recession. The exposed roots are covered by gum grafts removed from one source and used to cover the tooth roots. Covering the roots reduces sensitivity and protects the teeth from decay and at the same time stops gum recession and bone loss

At Worcester Quality Dental, we offer these among other solutions to treat periodontal disease. Contact us at (508) 754-0918 or book an appointment online.