Gum disease is caused by the same type of bacteria that cause tooth decay. It occurs when the bacteria in the mouth get into gum tissues. Your immune system tries to fight off the invasion with antibodies which leads to chronic inflammation and damage to the structures that support teeth.
The severity of a patient’s gum disease determines how a dentist treats it. The first stage called gingivitis does not require any serious treatments. Teeth cleanings and improved oral hygiene are typically enough to stop the infection in its tracks and reverse it.
The second stage of gum disease called periodontitis cannot be reversed. It can only be managed by performing appropriate treatments that minimize the damage done to gum tissues and teeth-supporting structures. Treatments that are often used to address gum disease include:
Cleanings are typically performed during routine dental checkups. It involves removing tartar and plaque from teeth surfaces. Plaque is a sticky film that builds up on teeth after meals. It contains bacteria and the acids they produce. It can be removed by brushing, but it hardens and turns into tartar when left on teeth for extended periods. Tartar cannot be removed by brushing. It needs to be scraped off using a metal tool called a scaler.
A dentist might recommend more than two annual cleanings for patients who have a higher risk of developing gum disease. They are viewed more as a preventative treatment when it comes to gum disease, but it can be a treatment for those dealing with the early stage of the condition.
This is a more thorough type of teeth cleaning that involves removing plaque and tartar from teeth surfaces and their roots. Rough spots on teeth roots are smoothed out during the treatment, removing bacteria and making it easier to reattach gum tissues to teeth.
Patients are given a shot of a local anesthetic at the start of the treatment. Scaling and root planing is typically recommended when a patient has noticeable tartar and plaque underneath the gums that need to be removed.
This treatment involves lifting the patient’s gums back to expose teeth roots so tartar can be removed. Damaged roots and other structures might be smoothed to remove bacteria and make it harder for future buildups. The patient’s gums are then reattached to their teeth snuggly, making it harder for tartar to accumulate in their gum pockets in the future.
Bone grafts can be used to rebuild teeth structures that have been damaged by gum disease. The treatment involves attaching donor tissues to areas where bone tissues have been damaged. These grafts promote the growth of new bone tissues, improving the stability of teeth.
Do not wait until your teeth start falling out due to periodontal disease. Call or visit our Austin clinic to set up an appointment with our dentist.
Request an appointment here: https://austinprimarydental.com or call Austin Primary Dental at (512) 808-5651 for an appointment in our Austin office.
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