Gum disease or gingivitis typically causes an infection of the gums that can result in swelling, bleeding and possible gum recession. If left untreated, the infection can affect the jawbone and eventually lead to tooth loss. Although this condition is quite common, it can be prevented or halted with good oral hygiene and regular dental cleanings.
If you are already suffering from advanced gum disease, don't panic! Here is a look at 2 effective treatments that can help reverse the disease so your gums are restored and able to healthily support your teeth.
Root scaling
Gum disease essentially starts when bacteria slip underneath your gums and create pockets where they begin to infect your gums. As the inflammation progresses, your gums may start to turn red, swell, or bleed as you brush. Since your toothbrush isn't always effective at removing bacteria hidden deep underneath the gums, deep cleaning by a dentist is usually needed to treat the condition.
Root scaling is essentially professional deep cleaning of infected gums so as to remove tartar and plaque buried deep in the tissue. Your dentist will usually administer a local anesthesia to ease any discomfort during the procedure and use a special tool to clean out your gums.
After cleaning, the dentist will likely smooth the roots of the teeth back to place so as to help restore your gums to their normal shape and prevent the re-entry of plaque in the gum pockets. Infected gums will generally respond well to this treatment and heal in a couple of days. Regular dental cleanups and thorough brushing at home are often recommended after the root scaling process to ensure that your gums stay healthy.
Gingivitis surgery
If your gum disease has progressed to the point where it causes severe gum recession or a serious infection, non-surgical treatment might not be very effective at reversing the condition. In such cases, your dentist may recommend gingivitis surgery, where the gums are grafted so they can recover from the infection and support your teeth more effectively.
During the procedure, a piece of oral tissue will typically be removed from one part of your mouth and attached to the receded gums. You will then be allowed to go home so that the gums can heal. During this time, you should avoid brushing or flossing and use a special rinse to keep your teeth clean.
Gum disease often occurs slowly, which is why it is important to watch out for any signs of inflammation to the gums such as bleeding, reddening or swelling so you can get early treatment. For more information, see website such as http://silverstonefamilydental.com.
Share12 January 2017
Do you care for your teeth like you should? Most people brush their teeth, but so many people rush through this process and are not as careful as they should be. Still others avoid flossing. A lack of dental care over the years can lead to increased decay. Thankfully, we have dentists who can treat decay with fillings, crowns, and in some cases, root canals. Dentists also provide preventative care. They can clean your teeth and use things like fluoride treatments to strengthen your enamel. The more you know about dental care, the better you'll be able to care for your mouth, so feel free to read some of the articles on this website.