Most people will assume you will require surgical procedures for periodontal treatments. However, surgery is only recommended when the non-surgical treatments fail. Non-surgical periodontal disease treatment, such as deep cleaning, helps clear these infections. If periodontitis isn’t treated, it could lead to tooth loss and increase the risk of other issues such as stroke and heart attack.
Understanding Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is a gum infection that damages your tooth’s structure and the soft tissue that supports your tooth. The condition is caused when microorganisms such as oral bacteria cling to your tooth’s surface and pockets. As the bacteria multiply in your mouth, the immune system detects them and releases toxins that will kill the pathogen. The toxins that are released by the antibodies will then cause tissue inflammation.
You should book an appointment and visit our dentist at Brentwood Dental Art if you experience some of the following symptoms.
- Bad breath or halitosis
- If you notice pus between your gums
- Spots of blood in your saliva while brushing or flossing teeth
- Receding gums
- Bright-red gums
- Gums sensitivity
- Swollen or inflamed gums
Periodontitis Treatment
The main goal of periodontitis treatment is to flush out the bacteria-harboring in your gum pockets to prevent further infection of the oral tissues. However, before getting your treatment, you should keep in mind that it’s your efforts that will make this a success. Other than the medical treatment your dentist will administer, acceptable oral practices must be implemented for the procedures to work effectively. Periodontitis is a chronic and long-term inflammatory disease that may recur if you have poor oral hygiene habits. Here are three known non-surgical periodontal treatments for periodontitis.
Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning procedure to remove plaque and calculus beneath and above your gumline. The procedure also smoothens rough spots on and around the tooth root in places where the bacteria lodges. Since the procedures used special dental instruments to access the deep pockets of plaque and bacteria, local anesthesia may be used to prevent pain or discomfort. Hand tools like a scaler or ultrasonic devices are dental equipment you should expect during the treatment. Scaling is the first step that gives way to a deeper level of cleaning, followed by root planning which is done below the gums. Root planning is done to remove bacteria lodged on the tooth root. This procedure will also smoothen the rough patches on the root preventing oral bacteria buildup. Patients with advanced gum disease may require two sessions to complete the process. It’s normal to experience slight bleeding and discomfort afterward.
Medication
Antimicrobials or antibiotics may also be used in treating periodontitis by a dentist near you. These medications destroy the bacteria beneath the gum line and preserve the tooth’s attachment tissues, preventing tooth loss. Medicines used in reversing the disease include:
- Oral Antibiotics. These antibiotics are available in capsule or tablet form, taken orally. They are short-term and usually for patients with acute periodontal infections.
- Antibiotic Gel. This gel makes it possible for the deep periodontal pockets to shrink. The gel also controls bacteria invasion since it is an antibiotic.
- Enzyme Suppressant. These medications are made to suppress destructive enzymes that damage the gum tissue.
- Prescribed antimicrobial mouthwash.
- Antiseptic Chip. This gelatin chip is categorized as a slow-release medication placed inside the gum’s pockets after root planning to eradicate bacteria.
Antibiotics are usually used after comprehensive root planning and scaling for effective results.
Regular Dental Cleaning
Regular dental cleaning is done when the infection is at its earliest stages. The cleanings may be enough twice yearly to prevent further periodontal infection development. First, however, you must rigorously follow the dentist’s instructions on oral hygiene, including flossing. In addition, more than two appointments yearly may be advised before your gums are healthy again.
Reevaluation
After the treatment procedures, the dentist will give you time to respond to the actively used treatment. The treatment is then subsequently reevaluated. Additionally, therapy may be recommended to necessary places that continue to show signs of periodontal infections.
What are the Benefits of Non-Surgical Periodontal Disease
Here are reasons why you should seek non-surgical treatment for periodontitis near you:
- Has a short recovery time
- Ensures an improved oral health
- It’s less invasive compared to surgical treatments
- It’s safe and effective
