Periodontal Treatment
Periodontal disease is characterized by the inflammation of the gums and can lead to more severe problems like tooth loss and even heart disease. Luckily, there are treatments available to help control and even reverse the damage caused by periodontal disease.
At Platinum Dental Group, we offer a variety of periodontal treatments depending on the stage of your disease. We may recommend professional cleaning and improved oral hygiene habits for those in the early stages. If your condition is more severe, we recommend more aggressive treatments like scaling and root planing or gum surgery.
What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is an oral infection that mainly affects the tissues and bones that support your teeth. It is caused by plaque, a sticky buildup of food debris, bacteria, and saliva. If the plaque is not removed, it hardens into tartar, which can irritate the gums and cause them to become inflamed.
The two most common types of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontitis.
Gingivitis is the early stage of periodontal disease characterized by red, swollen, or bleeding gums. Gingivitis is a reversible condition – with proper oral hygiene and professional dental cleanings.
Periodontitis, however, is the more advanced stage of periodontal disease and can lead to tooth loss. This is because the bacteria in plaque and tartar begin to destroy the bone and connective tissues that support your teeth. Periodontitis is not a reversible condition, but it can be controlled with proper oral hygiene, professional dental cleanings, and other treatments.
Causes of Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection known to be caused by plaque. If plaque is not removed from the teeth and gum line daily, it will harden into a substance called tartar. This will then cause mild to moderate irritation and inflammation of the gums, which will continue to increase if not treated. Many factors will increase the risk of developing periodontal disease, including:- Poor oral hygiene: This is the most significant factor in developing periodontal disease. Regular brushing and flossing can help remove plaque and tartar from your teeth and gums.
- Smoking: Smoking cigarettes or using other tobacco products can increase your risk of developing periodontal disease.
- Certain medications: Some medications can cause dry mouth, leading to increased plaque and tartar buildup.
- Crooked teeth: Teeth that are misaligned are typically more challenging to keep clean and are more likely to develop plaque and tartar buildup.
- Diabetes: People with diabetes are more likely to develop periodontal disease.
- Family history: If you have a family history of periodontal disease, you may be more likely to develop it yourself.
Periodontal Treatment Options
The steps taken for treating gum disease will depend on the stage of the disease. At Platinum Dental Group, we offer various treatments for periodontal disease, including non-surgical and surgical options. After an oral examination and consultation, we will be able to develop a customized treatment plan for you and your unique needs.
Non-Surgical Periodontal Treatment
When caught in its early stages, gingivitis can be treated with a professional dental cleaning and improved at-home oral hygiene. However, deeper cleanings and additional treatments may be required once fully developed.
Tooth scaling and root planing are non-surgical procedures that are considered the first line of defense against the progression of periodontal disease. With scaling and planing, we can remove the tartar and plaque that has accumulated from your teeth and below gum tissues and smooth out any rough spots on your teeth that may be harboring bacteria.
Surgical Periodontal Treatment
In more advanced cases of periodontitis, surgical treatment may be necessary, along with tooth scaling and root planing to restore the health of your gums. In addition, surgical procedures can help reduce pocket depth, remove tartar and plaque, and repair any damage that has been done to the bone or connective tissues.
Pocket reduction surgery is used to accomplish specific goals:
- First, remove any sub-gingival bacteria (bacteria built up beneath the gum line) and from the surfaces of the tooth roots.
- Stop damage to the underlying bone, and recontour the affected hard tissues as needed.
- Reduce the depth of periodontal pockets to facilitate easier cleaning of the teeth and gums and the maintenance of optimal periodontal health.
A surgical procedure known as flap surgery is frequently recommended in many cases. This surgery involves lifting back the diseased gum tissue around the gum line to access the roots of the teeth and clean out any tartar or plaque that has accumulated. The healthy gum tissue is then sutured back into place.
Periodontal Treatment in New Jersey
No matter what stage of periodontal disease you are in, Platinum Dental Group can create a customized treatment plan to restore your periodontal health and prevent gum disease. Our goal is to complete the periodontal therapy treatments and teach our patients about good oral hygiene to help get their oral health back on track.
We have several locations across New Jersey, so contact a location near you to learn more about our periodontal treatments or schedule an appointment.