No matter how strong a person’s teeth are, if their gums aren’t healthy, they risk losing their teeth. Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, can quickly destroy a person’s smile. There are several treatments offered by a reputable Periodontic Service in California MD.
Scaling and Root Planing
For patients who are still in the early stages of gum disease, scaling and root planing therapy is often the recommended treatment. This is a non-surgical method of deep cleaning periodontal pockets. It can be quite effective at treating gum disease, and in many cases, capable of stopping the disease from advancing.
During scaling and root planing, the dentist will fully numb the patient’s mouth to avoid discomfort. Using special tools, the dentist will scrape away tartar from the gum tissue and root surfaces. The mouth is often divided into quadrants and cleaned during separate visits to reduce pain.
Gum Grafting
If a patient has severe gum recession, grafting may be the best option. Gum tissue recedes due to many factors. If the patient brushes their teeth with too much force, the gum tissue may slowly erode away. Tartar buildup and periodontal pockets may also lead to gum recession.
During grafting, the periodontist will take gum tissue from another location (usually the roof of the mouth) and attach it to the exposed roots. The transplanted tissue will heal and protect the once exposed roots from decay. This is a common Periodontic Service in California MD for patients with moderate to severe gum disease.
Laser Treatment
Some dentists are now using lasers as a way to treat gum disease. This is still a new method and should only be completed by dentists who have proper training and experience. However, when used correctly, lasers are very accurate at removing infected tissue.
Patients often report less bleeding and pain following laser treatment. Lasers are less invasive than surgical treatments. Many even claim to have a shorter healing time. Only a dentist can decide if a patient is an ideal candidate for laser treatment.
Anyone experiencing painful, bleeding gums should schedule an examination by a dentist. Gum disease is a serious condition, and failure to treat it may result in tooth loss. Click here to learn more about the common symptoms of gum disease.
