A simplified guide to periodontal disease: Treatments and more

Also known as gum disease, periodontal disease affects the soft tissues surrounding the teeth. Just like you need to focus on keeping your teeth clean, you must also keep a tab on gum health. The first stage of periodontal disease is known as gingivitis, which refers to a bacterial infection of the gums. If ignored, the condition may progress into periodontitis, which may lead to tooth loss. If you have evident signs of an infection in your gums, check with an experienced dentist in Brooklyn, New York, for immediate treatment. Here are some aspects worth knowing about periodontal disease.

Types of periodontal disease

Besides gingivitis, there are various types of periodontal diseases –

  • Chronic periodontitis: If the inflammation gets worse, the patient may experience gum recession, which may make the teeth appear elongated.
  • Aggressive periodontitis: This form of gum disease is marked by sudden and rapid loss of gum attachment, which may cause aggressive symptoms.
  • Necrotizing periodontitis: This type of periodontal disease is often seen in patients who suffer from HIV and other immunity-compromised conditions. Due to necrosis, one may experience severe pain and suffer tooth loss.

What are the treatments for periodontal disease?

Your dentist will start with a comprehensive periodontal exam to determine the exact causes of gum disease. Treatments include –

  • Scaling and root planing: If you have early signs of gingivitis, your dentist may recommend scaling, which involves removing tartar and bacteria from the gums that are responsible for the infection. The procedure involves cleaning gum pockets and using antibiotics if necessary. You will typically need to use mouthwash to avoid further infection.
  • Tissue regeneration: If there is evident damage to gum tissues, this treatment can help fix the symptoms. The procedure relies on grafting, where membranes are inserted into the areas affected by infection to accelerate regeneration.
  • Pocket elimination surgery: Also known as flap surgery, this is the procedure done to fix the gap between the teeth and gums. A dentist may also consider jawbone surgery, which will help eliminate indentations and improve the healing of gums.
  • Dental implants: If you have lost teeth due to periodontal disease, you may also get dental implants, which will help get replacement teeth that will be mounted on the implants. When there is considerable loss of bone mass, you may need bone grafting before getting dental implants.

Call your dentist today to learn more about periodontal disease and how to keep your gums in good health.