Do You Know The Primary Goal of Periodontal Treatment?

Gum or periodontal disease is a rising concern among millions of adults and children. Gum disease results from bacterial and plaque attacks in the mouth. When food particles and other debris get trapped in the mouth, they combine with the harmful bacteria in the mouth to form plaque and tartar. Over time, these bacterial deposits release harmful acids that irritate and infect the gum tissue, causing inflammation. Gum disease is the inflammation of the gum tissues.

The initial stage of gum disease is known as gingivitis. The patient can experience minor gum bleeding, swelling, soreness, redness, and sensitivity. If not treated promptly, gingivitis progress to periodontitis, which is irreversible. At this point, bacterial plaque and calculus have entered below the gums, causing further problems like receding gums, loose teeth, tooth loss, and jawbone damage. Contact our Danbury dentist for gum treatment.

Role of Periodontal Treatments

Over time, gum disease can result in numerous complications, such as tooth loss, tooth decay, loose teeth, and jawbone damage. The infection can also enter the bloodstream to vital organs of the body like the brain and heart, causing severe and life-threatening symptoms. Fortunately, you can manage gum disease through periodontal treatment. It can happen in several ways, including

• Prevention

The best way to manage gum or periodontal disease is to prevent the formation of bacterial plaque and tartar on teeth and around the gums. Periodontal treatments such as professional and deep cleaning can help remove these bacterial substances, which cause gum disease. The risk of further gum disease progression is significantly reduced.

Along with periodontal treatments, good dental hygiene, regular oral check-ups, and a proper diet can help you keep gum disease at bay. Also, avoid or limit gum disease risk factors such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. If you have health conditions like diabetes, ensure they’re well managed.

• Early diagnosis and treatment

Another critical role of periodontal treatment is early diagnosis. Early diagnosis significantly increases your chances of treating and reversing the damage and restoring the health of your gums fully. Healthy gums should be firm, pink, and shouldn’t bleed. You should seek immediate treatment if you are experiencing bleeding, sore, red, sensitive, loose, and painful gums. Loose teeth, tooth loss, bad breath, and abscesses can also indicate gum disease.

In the early stages, gum disease is treatable with non-surgical and less invasive treatments like professional cleaning, scaling and root planing, and antibiotics. Avoid poor habits like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption to reduce inflammation and promote faster healing.

• Reversing the damage caused by gum disease

Unfortunately, gum disease can go unnoticed for many years. Over time, it can damage the gums, teeth, and underlying structures like the jawbone. At severe stages of gum disease, a patient can experience serious symptoms like receding gums, loose teeth, and tooth loss. While you can’t reverse the damage, periodontal treatment can help remove the damage and encourage the body to heal.

For instance, our periodontist in Danbury, CT, can recommend procedures like gum surgery to repair damaged gums. Bone grafting may also be essential to regenerate damaged jawbone. If the patient has lost teeth, the dentist can recommend tooth replacement treatments like dentures, bridges, and implants once the gums have healed. Fortunately, you can cover part of your periodontal treatment cost with insurance.

• Oral Health Education

Educating people about gum disease and associated oral problems can go a long way in preventing and reversing gum disease. They can warn patients about key risk factors of gum disease. Patients are also given tips on how to minimize the risk of gum disease. These can include:

• Brush at least twice daily. Avoid hard-bristled toothbrushes and abrasive brushing.
• Floss daily.
• Eat a healthier diet.
• Always stay hydrated.
• Avoid tobacco products.
• Avoid excessive alcohol consumption.
• Schedule routine dental check-ups and cleanings.
• Manage underlying conditions such as diabetes.

Final Verdict

Periodontal treatment aids in the prevention, detection, and treatment of gum disease. Along with the treatment, excellent oral hygiene, regular dental assessments, and a proper diet can help you maintain healthy gums and mouth. Also, make sure your diabetes is well controlled and avoid tobacco use.

Schedule an Appointment Today

Looking for a periodontist near you in Danbury, CT? Contact Danbury Smiles – George Landress, DDS, MAGD, to begin your periodontal treatment today.