Say Goodbye To Gum Disease: 3 Effective Treatment Options
Posted on: 27 December 2022
Periodontal disease is a severe dental condition that can cause irreversible damage to the gums and teeth. Without treatment, it can lead to tooth loss and systemic health issues. Fortunately, there are many ways to effectively treat periodontal disease. This article will discuss three standard treatment options for those suffering from periodontal disease.
Scaling and Root Planing
Plaque and tartar are removed from the roots of the teeth using a deep cleaning technique called scaling and root planing. It's typically done by a dental hygienist or periodontist and may involve local anesthesia to numb the treated area.
The process of scaling involves using special instruments, such as scalers and curettes, to help eliminate tartar and plaque. Root planing involves polishing down the teeth's root surfaces to get rid of any remaining tartar and plaque and to prevent further buildup.
Scaling and root planing can usually take multiple visits, but this depends on the severity of the gum disease and the number of teeth being treated. After the treatment, you'll receive special instructions for home care, such as using a medicated toothpaste or rinse.
The benefits of scaling and root planing include reducing inflammation and improving gum health. It can also help prevent further bone loss and tooth loss and may reduce the risk of other health problems associated with gum disease.
Antimicrobial Mouth Rinses
Antimicrobial mouth rinses are a type of mouthwash that contains antimicrobial agents, such as chlorhexidine or hydrogen peroxide, that kill bacteria in the mouth. They're usually prescribed by a dentist or periodontist and may be used in addition to scaling and root planing.
Antimicrobial mouth rinses can help reduce plaque and tartar buildup and may be used to treat or prevent gum disease. They often treat other oral health problems, such as bad breath (halitosis) or mouth sores.
To use an antimicrobial mouth rinse, you'll need to follow the instructions on the packaging or as directed by your dentist or periodontist. This usually involves rinsing your mouth with the rinse for a certain amount of time, such as 30 seconds or a minute, and then spitting it out. You may be asked to use the rinse after brushing and flossing or at a different time of day.
The benefits of antimicrobial mouth rinses include reducing bacteria in the mouth and helping to improve gum health. However, it's important to note that these rinses are not a replacement for good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing and flossing, and should be used in addition to these practices.
Laser Therapy
A periodontist usually performs laser therapy, which may involve using anesthesia to numb the area being treated. During the treatment, the periodontist will use a laser to remove infected tissue and kill bacteria in the mouth. The laser may also be used to smooth out rough areas on the root surfaces of the teeth, which can help prevent future plaque and tartar buildup.
The benefits of laser therapy for periodontal disease include reducing inflammation and improving gum health. It may also help prevent further bone loss and tooth loss and may be less invasive than traditional surgery. Speak to a periodontist to learn more.
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