Periodontal Disease Treatment
The good news is that periodontal disease treatment is much less painful than many people think. Fear of pain is often the main reason why people don’t visit the dentist as often as they should. However, research has shown that less than 10 percent of patients reported experiencing extreme pain. So, you can relax about the upcoming dental appointment.
Can periodontal disease be cured?
Periodontal disease is a serious issue that affects the entire body. It increases your risk of heart disease and other diseases, especially in people who are already immunocompromised. The inflammation caused by the disease forces your immune system to go into overdrive, decreasing its ability to fight infection. This can decrease your life expectancy. If left untreated, periodontal disease can progress to periodontitis, which is incurable.
Although periodontal disease cannot be cured, it can be controlled. Taking care of your mouth with daily brushing and flossing can reduce your risk of developing the disease. You can also visit a dentist for regular cleanings and checkups. These professional visits will help detect the condition early and help you receive appropriate treatment.
Can teeth be saved with periodontal disease?
If periodontal disease is diagnosed early, dental treatment is an option. Periodontal disease can destroy the support of the teeth, and it may cause pockets to form between the teeth and gums. Treatment may include a gum graft, which involves lifting the gums and removing tartar and bacteria from the roots. Another treatment option is gum flap surgery, which involves removing the pocket and stitching the gums back in place.
Fortunately, dental implants can often be used to save teeth that have been affected by periodontal disease. These titanium screws are inserted gently into the jawbone and replace the root structures of missing teeth. Then, dental crowns are placed on top of these implants. This treatment can restore a person’s smile, improve their speech, and save their teeth.
What do dentists do for periodontal disease?
Aside from performing regular dental cleanings, dentists can also prescribe antibiotics to combat periodontal disease. This treatment can help get rid of harmful bacteria in the mouth, and can also reduce the need for surgeries. It’s often prescribed for young patients with rapidly progressing periodontitis and for adults with gum disease that doesn’t respond to other treatments. But some experts worry that overuse of antibiotics can backfire and cause antibiotic resistance, which makes treating gum disease more difficult.
In severe cases, dentists may use surgical procedures to treat periodontal disease. These procedures, called flap surgery or root planing surgery, remove tartar and bacteria from under the gums. They also help reduce the depth of the periodontal pocket.
How long does periodontal disease take to heal?
Periodontal disease affects the gums and causes inflammation. If not treated, it can lead to tooth loss. The disease can also lead to bad breath. A dentist can detect the warning signs of periodontal disease during regular cleanings. In some cases, periodontal disease can be reversible. However, if left untreated, it can progress to a more serious stage and cause serious health risks.
While periodontal disease does not have to be permanently fixed, you should keep in mind that the process of healing can take several weeks or months. You should continue to brush your teeth at least twice daily and floss regularly. You can use a special dental brush, “water flosser,” or wooden or plastic pick to remove plaque from between teeth. In case you’re worried about periodontal disease, a dentist may prescribe antibiotics or periodontal therapy. More severe cases may require gum grafting or surgery.
Which toothpaste is best for periodontal disease?
If you have gum disease, you should look for a toothpaste that contains antimicrobial properties. This ingredient helps fight bacteria that cause gum disease, as toothpaste spreads onto the soft tissues of the mouth. It also helps reduce the bacteria load on areas that are not cleaned, such as between the teeth. However, there are a number of toothpastes on the market, and it is important to find the one that best suits your needs.
Some people prefer toothpastes without fluoride, which is still beneficial for gum health. If you’re unsure, see your dentist. They can prescribe a special toothpaste for you.
