In case you’re wondering what periodontal disease is, it is another term for gum disease. Periodontal disease is not the same as tooth decay; it is the main culprit of tooth loss in adults. It is brought about by bacterial infection in the gums but can be cured by periodontal therapy. There are several periodontal procedures that your dentist can perform on you, depending on what treatment you need.
There are several types of gum diseases but the most common is gingivitis, there are no symptoms to gingivitis but if left untreated it could become chronic as the bacteria spreads to the bone structure and the other areas around the mouth. It usually starts with just a tooth but without the proper oral hygiene, neighboring teeth could become infected during which time that few symptoms manifest like bleeding gums and inflammation. At this point, the simple gingivitis has become a more serious dental issue called periodontitis.
Dentists have identified the main causes of gingivitis, including:
- Improper and/insufficient brushing
- Failure to do proper flossing
- Too much smoking
- Food you eat
- Genetics
If you are noticing the following signs, you should consult your dentist the soonest time possible:
- There is bleeding each time you brush your teeth
- Visibly swollen gums
- You notice thick plaque forming along the gum line
- Bad breath
There are several dental procedures that can be done to treat periodontal diseases. There are non-surgical procedures that include thorough cleaning to remove plaque and bacteria. Brushing alone will not remove deeply-seated plaque and calculus, the procedure ensures that the bacterial toxins causing the inflammation are eliminated.
Normally, there are three forms of cleaning treatments that will be performed:
- Scaling – to eliminate stain, calculus, and plaque.
- Root Planing – to remove dentin embedded in the calculus.
- Antimicrobials – antibiotics are administered, usually in pill form to prevent infection.
When periodontal diseases are detected in their early stages, conventional treatments can still work. However, if the condition is in the advanced stage, the patient might have to undergo other procedures like periodontal surgery.
With the advancement in technology, laser is now being widely used in surgical procedures. It is now being used in most cosmetic surgery procedures and cataract operation. It is now also being used in periodontal treatments. Incorporating lasers to scaling and root planing makes the procedures more efficient. Laser treatments will result to less pain and bleeding, as well as less discomfort.
If you wouldn’t want to go through the tedious process of these treatments, it is imperative that you practice proper oral hygiene. Make it a habit to brush and floss three times a day. You better quit smoking if you don’t want to get gingivitis and eat healthy. It is also important that you visit your dentist at least twice year.
As a parting shot, keep in mind that prevention is always better than cure so make sure that you visit your dentist regularly. If you or any of your family would need dental assistance in New Orleans, call Creative Smiles Dental at 504-885-0466 or visit www.CreativeSmilesDentalCare.com for appointment.
