Gum disease treatment, also known as periodontal therapy is used to treat periodontal (gum) disease and is diagnosed during a periodontal examination during a regular dental check-up.
Gum Disease Stages
Gum diseases range from simple gum inflammation to a serious condition that causes major damage to the soft tissue and bone that support the teeth. Gum disease is caused by tartar, which forms when plaque is not completely removed by brushing or flossing. Tartar can harden and only be removed by a professional dental cleaning.
Gingivitis
The earliest stage of periodontal disease is gingivitis, which appears in the form of infection to the gums. As plaque irritates the gums, the development of gingivitis causes the gums to grow red, swollen, and tender and to bleed easily.
Periodontitis
The next stage of periodontal disease is periodontitis, the point at which the bone supporting the teeth and holding them into the jaw becomes infected. Untreated gingivitis forces the gums to pull away from the teeth and form pockets that can become infected. As bacteria infects the bone, the immune system responds by attempting to fight off the bacteria, but as a result, the bone and other connective tissues of the teeth can begin to break down and eventually reach the point of being damaged enough that the teeth need to be removed.
Gum disease is the primary reason for tooth loss in adults. Periodontal therapy is therefore of the utmost importance.
The Steps of Gum Disease Treatment
If you come into Alachua Family Dentistry, there are a series of steps that we take to help you determine if you are in need of gum disease treatment:
- Diagnosis: Many people are unaware of the presence of gum disease until it has advanced, so a diagnosis through regular screenings enables us to provide an effective treatment to avoid tooth loss.
- Treatment: If the disease has only progressed to the gingivitis stage, our dentists will suggest scheduling one or two regular cleanings. We will also offer advice on how to prevent the spread of gum disease with better dental hygiene habits and additional teeth cleanings. If your gum disease is more advanced, our hygienists will deep clean infected roots of the teeth to remove toxins.
- Maintenance: Maintenance after treatment is extremely important. Regular periodontal cleaning appointments include teeth polishing, an oral cancer screening, an examination of tooth decay, existing restorations, and any diagnostic x-rays that need to be taken, and updated oral hygiene recommendations.
Gum Disease Treatment at Alachua Family Dentistry
At Alachua Family Dentistry, a standard component of the routine checkups we provide is screening for periodontal disease. We can also help you restore your teeth with the proper application of preventative methods, treatments, and maintenance. To learn more about gum disease treatments or to schedule a cleaning, contact Alachua Family Dentistry today!
