The Facts About How to Treat Gingivitis and Periodontal Disease

While periodontal disease is never a good diagnosis, there are numerous way to treat it and return your smile to greatness. Some involve surgery, others do not, but it’s best to know how to choose the right treatment for gum disease.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Gum Disease

In deciding how to treat gingivitis, your dentist will consider the severity of your signs and make a recommendation. But you may be able to avoid surgery if your condition is caught early. These are some of the non-surgical alternatives available today:

• Professional cleaning: If you only have slight signs of periodontal disease, a professional cleaning to remove the damaging plaque and tartar is often how to treat gingivitis. This may need to be followed by more frequent cleanings.
• Root planing and scaling: This treatment for gum disease is a deep-cleaning procedure that scrapes away tartar and plaque under the surface of gums. It is performed under a local anesthetic.

When Periodontal Disease Requires Surgery

If your gingivitis has advanced to a more severe stage, then surgery is the only way to eliminate the problem. But you can ease both your pain and your mind by learning about the these surgical strategies:

• Soft tissue grafts: This treatment for gum disease takes grafts of tissue from the mouth and attaches them to the gums to fill up areas of gum recession
• Guided tissue regeneration: This treatment involves placing a small piece of fabric between the bone and gum tissue. It enables the bone and tissue to re-generate and support teeth. It is the best option when the bone has been destroyed.
• Flap surgery: This method involves lifting back the gums to remove tartar buildup, and then positioning the gums to fit more securely around the tooth in order to limit future bacteria growth.
• Bone surgery: Moderate or advanced bone loss requires this surgery, which smooths out the shallow craters in the bone around the tooth to prevent future bacteria growth.
• Bone grafts: By taking grafts of bone, dentists are able to attach those grafts to teeth to promote bone re-growth and greater tooth stability.

Antibiotic Treatment for Gum Disease

Antibiotics may be involved in the treatment of gum disease, either alone or in conjunction with a surgical procedure. They are used to reduce bacteria buildup, as well as prevent further destruction of the tooth’s attachment to the bone.

To learn about our family dentistry practice in Sweetwater, call Sweetwater Smiles today at (321) 594-2628 or make an appointment.

Advanced Dental Care offers affordable family dentistry and gentle, compassionate dental care in Sweetwater. With 21 affiliated practices throughout Florida, our offices are conveniently located with extended hours to meet your needs. At Sweetwater Smiles, we provide most dental services, from basic preventative care and general dentistry to specialized procedures and complete dental reconstruction. We accept most dental insurance plans and offer affordable financial solutions for any budget. Patient satisfaction is our top priority and we strive to provide the exceptional, affordable dental care and personal touch that lead to lasting relationships. A smiling patient is our greatest reward and we look forward to keeping those smiles healthy, beautiful, and bright. Discover an affordable dentist who truly cares at Sweetwater Smiles.