Gum disease, which is also known as periodontitis, is common, and there are various treatment methods available in general dentistry. There are three phases of this disease, and if it is caught and treated during the early phase, it is reversible. Treatment is much easier and less invasive early on, even before symptoms appear, which is why it is important to get checked regularly by a dentist.
The early stage of gum disease is called gingivitis, and the signs and symptoms at this stage may be quite subtle. Early signs include red, swollen gums and gums that bleed frequently. A dentist may also notice gum recession, which is when there is a loss of gum tissue, which exposes more of the tooth.
As periodontitis advances, the gums become more infected and gum recession increases to the point that the tooth's root may be exposed. Symptoms at more advanced stages include tooth sensitivity, pus-filled lesions on the gums, loose teeth, constant bad breath, and pain while chewing. If left untreated, the teeth may eventually fall out because there is nothing anchoring them in.
A dentist can diagnose gum disease before a patient even notices many symptoms. Treatment at this stage is easier than if the infection progresses to the advanced stages.
If detected early enough, the dentist may recommend better brushing and flossing techniques at home to help treat the issue. If at-home care is not sufficient, the first general dentistry treatment is scaling and root planing.
Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning of the teeth and gums. During this procedure, the dentist uses a special instrument to scrape the buildup of tartar and plaque from the teeth, surfaces of the teeth's roots, between the gums, and underneath the gums.
Next, the dentist smooths the rough areas of the roots to prevent bacteria from being able to attach. This also makes it easier for the gums to heal and reattach to the clean surfaces of the teeth.
In more advanced stages of periodontitis, the dentist may recommend flap surgery, which is also called pocket reduction, and this removes bacteria from beneath the gum tissues. The first part of the procedure consists of removing tartar and plaque buildup. Next, a small incision is made in the gums, and the gum tissue is folded back to reveal the underlying teeth. The bacteria are then removed from the roots and surrounding areas. Once the area is cleaned up, the gum tissue is sutured and put back in place.
If the tooth roots are exposed, the dentist may recommend a gum graft. This consists of taking gum tissue from elsewhere and using it to cover up the bare roots. This helps prevent further bone loss and further recession.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentistry in Tinley Park, IL
In general dentistry, gum disease treatment is common. Options vary from conservative procedures to more invasive surgeries to combat inflammation and infection.
Request an appointment or call Tinley Park Smiles & Implant Dentistry at 708-675-7427 for an appointment in our Tinley Park office.
Patients who schedule routine general dentistry visits understand that maintaining a healthy mouth is critical to overall health. Therefore, although teeth cleaning may occur at regular dental appointments, patients also visit general dentists for other treatments.A general dentist is a primary dental care provider responsible for helping patients maintain healthy mouths by providing preventative and…
Loose teeth as a child can be exciting, but loose teeth as an adult are often worrisome and frustrating. Fortunately, general dentistry has ways to repair and care for them. If you have a loose permanent tooth, see your dentist right away to determine why it is loose and develop a plan to treat it.To…
The average dentist in the U.S. works in general dentistry. A general dentist works on the front lines of diagnostic and preventative care for patients of all ages. A checkup with a general dentist can result in the early detection of dental diseases, including gum disease. Patients who regularly set up dental appointments tend to…