A Look at the Many Non-Surgical Gum Treatments Options
If you have a problem with your gums and do not want to undergo surgery, do not panic. There are numerous non-surgical gum treatments available that will improve the condition of your gums.
Below, we take a look at the different non-surgical gum treatments ranging from basic dental cleanings to more complex procedures.
Professional Dental Cleaning
Visit with the dentist for a checkup and you will enjoy a professional dental cleaning. This cleaning includes the teeth as well as the gums. The dentist or hygienist will remove the tartar and plaque along the teeth and below the gum line. This professional dental cleaning should take place at least two times per year. These cleanings will help prevent the onset of gum disease yet they do not suffice as a treatment for gum disease, alone.
Scaling and Root Planing
This non-surgical procedure is a deep clean performed under a local anesthetic. It reaches much deeper than the typical teeth cleaning. Scaling and root planing is usually performed with the assistance of local anesthesia. Tartar and plaque are removed from above and below the gum line. They are scraped away until eliminated. This is the scaling portion of the process.
Rough spots along the root of the tooth are then smoothed out with planing. The smoothing of the rough portions eliminates bacteria and presents a clean area for the gums to reconnect to the teeth. Scaling and root planing is performed if the dentist determines the patient has plaque and calculus (also known as tartar) below the gums that must be removed. In some instances, scaling and root planing is all that is necessary to successfully treat gum disease. This approach is especially effective to treat gum disease prior to it becoming overly severe.
Periodontal Maintenance Therapy
Periodontal maintenance involves multiple visits for ongoing gum care. A variety of procedures ranging from scaling to polishing above and below the gums, examinations, stability monitoring and beyond are performed as necessary.
Drugs Can Also Be Used to Treat Gum Disease
Antibiotic treatments can be used alone, in combination with surgery or with another form of therapy. Drugs can also be used on a temporary basis to combat the bacteria tied to gum disease. They can even suppress the dismantling of the tooth's connection to the bone. As an example, chlorhexidine is an antimicrobial that controls gingivitis and plaque within the mouth as well as periodontal pockets. It can be taken as a mouth rinse or as a chip filled with gelatin that is positioned within pockets following root planing. Additional antibiotics that can be used to treat gum disease include tetracycline, doxycycline and minocycline. It is even possible to use a non-prescription toothpaste with fluoride to combat gingivitis and plaque.
Are you wondering if you have periodontal disease, more commonly known as gum disease? It is essential for you to know the warning signs of this common dental issue. This way, you will have a better chance of addressing the issue without needing excessive dental treatment.When gum disease is addressed in its beginning stages, it…
In spite of regular brushing and flossing, periodontal health appears to be in jeopardy for many American adults. The reason is that even when a good oral hygiene routine is established, people can still suffer from gum infections. Treatment options and preventative care are essential for anyone who wishes to keep gum disease and its advanced…
When one mentions the words “periodontal therapy,” most people automatically assume it means a surgical treatment is necessary. However, this is not always the case. Surgery is only necessary when the non-surgical treatment fails to provide the targeted outcome for potential health.The main cause of periodontal disease is the human body's inflammatory system's response to…
Periodontics is something we specialize in at Gables Exceptional Dentistry in Coral Gables, FL. This area of dentistry has to do with the care of your teeth when it comes to their actual structure. This includes the periodontium, the gingiva, the alveolar, and the periodontal ligament, to name a few. Our goal is to make…
A tooth replacement procedure is vital if you are missing teeth. You will be happy to know that there are multiple options available to restore your smile. If you are missing a few or many teeth but have healthy natural teeth remaining, partial dentures make a lot of sense. This solution can improve your appearance…
Dental veneers can improve your appearance and oral health. These porcelain shells can make dramatic changes to your smile. Each one can correct damage, discoloration, and misalignment. Understanding the process can help you relax on your treatment day. Here are the things to expect when you get your dental veneers.Consulting a dentist is necessary before…