You only have one set of adult teeth, and they need to last until you are 80, 90, or beyond. The actions you take towards your teeth today will either benefit you or harm you in the future. Of course, good dental care starts with seeing a dentist regularly. You should go in for cleanings and checkups, and any other time you think something might be amiss with your teeth. Education is important when it comes to any aspect of your health, so start reading the articles on this website to educate yourself about dentists and dental care. We promise that when you're 80 and you still have your teeth, you won't regret the time spent.
The Tooth of the Matter: A Dental Blog
Treatment Phases Of Periodontal Disease
Sofia Curtis
Periodontal disease is a serious gum infection that damages the soft tissue and bone supporting the teeth. It is caused by bacteria in dental plaque, which can accumulate on the teeth and gums if not removed through proper oral hygiene. The condition can lead to tooth loss, bad breath, bleeding gums, and an increased risk of other health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and respiratory disease.
If you have periodontal disease, you may wonder what treatments are available and how effective they are. Here is some information about the treatment phases of periodontal disease.
Etiological Phase
The etiological phase aims to control the infection and restore the healthy balance of bacteria in the mouth. This phase involves:
- Examination. A thorough dental examination is used to diagnose the severity and extent of periodontal disease. Your dentist may measure the depth of the pockets between your gums and teeth, take dental X-rays to check for bone loss, and review your medical history to identify any risk factors or underlying conditions.
- Cleaning. A scaling and root planing procedure is used to remove plaque and tartar from your tooth surfaces and below your gumline. This may be done using instruments, a laser, or an ultrasonic device.
- Antibiotics. Antibiotics are prescribed to kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria that cause periodontal disease. The medication may be topical (such as mouth rinses or gels) or oral (such as pills or capsules).
- Education. Your provider offers education on how to improve your oral hygiene habits at home, such as brushing twice a day, flossing daily, using a fluoride toothpaste, and rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash. You will also be advised to quit smoking and manage any health conditions that may affect your dental health.
Surgical Phase
The surgical phase may be necessary if the etiological phase is not enough to eliminate the infection and repair the damage caused by periodontal disease. This phase involves:
- Flap surgery or pocket reduction surgery to lift back the gums and remove any remaining plaque and tartar from the tooth roots.
- Bone grafting or guided tissue regeneration to restore lost bone and tissue around the teeth.
- Soft tissue grafting to cover exposed tooth roots and prevent further gum recession. This may involve using tissue from your palate or another source to attach to the affected area.
- Crown lengthening to expose more of the tooth crown for cosmetic or restorative purposes.
Once the gum disease has healed, you will need to maintain your gingival health through good hygiene practices and regular dental checkups.
Contact your dentist to learn more about periodontal disease treatment.
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