Have you noticed blood streaks when you brush your teeth? That bleeding can be one of the first warning signs of gum disease. Poor oral health can be daunting, especially if it progresses to an advanced stage. This can lead to several systemic manifestations since your mouth is a gateway to other systems of your body. Thus, it is essential to combat periodontal or gum disease at an early stage to prevent further damage or tissue destruction. 

Treatment for periodontal disease by methods employed by the team of general dentistry in Union City is effective and helps restore your oral form, function, and aesthetics. 

Periodontal disease can cause tooth loss!

Periodontal disease or gum disease is the most prevailing oral problem worldwide that can pose a great threat to your teeth. It is a progressive condition that is characterized by an infection and inflammation of the supporting structures of your teeth, namely the periodontium. This comprises the cementum, gingiva (gums), PDL (periodontal ligament), and the underlying jawbone. Periodontal disease, if left untreated, can progress rapidly and destroy the supporting jawbone, leading to mobility and tooth loss. 

Fortunately, there are effective treatments to combat the disease!

Your dentist may recommend any one of the following treatments based on the severity of the disease:

  • Non-surgical: For mild to moderate periodontal disease. 
  • Antibiotics: These are prescribed in the form of oral drugs or topical gels to fight infection.
  • Scaling: These are routine procedures that allow the dentist to eliminate plaque, calculus, and bacteria beneath the gum line. 
  • Root planing: Teeth roots are also cleaned to make them smooth, preventing plaque and bacteria adherence. 
  • Surgical: For moderate to severe periodontal disease
  • Flap surgery: A flap incision is raised on your gums to access the tooth roots and clean them thoroughly.
  • Bone grafting: This is an effective procedure to counteract bone loss by replacing the lost tissue with a graft material.
  • Gum grafting: Gum grafting helps treat gum recession by placing a tissue graft around the affected teeth and suturing it. 
  • Guided tissue regeneration: A special biocompatible material is placed between the bone and your tooth to promote tissue growth.
  • Platelet-rich plasma (PRP): PRP is extracted from your blood sample and injected into the deficient areas to encourage bone growth. 
  • For tooth loss
  • Dental implants:  These are artificial tooth roots made up of titanium to provide a strong anchorage to permanent restorations like crowns, dentures, or bridges.

Remember, you are not alone!

Periodontal disease is a common condition and can be treated if detected early. Treatment is typically successful depending on the method and severity of the disease and when performed by a skilled dental specialist.