A periodontist focuses on the health of the gums, which means that gum disease is one of the most common issues that they treat. While gum disease can be an uncomfortable and challenging affliction, the good news is that it is reversible, unlike its more advanced form (periodontitis).
If you have gum disease, it is crucial to seek treatment as soon as possible, before the condition worsens into something that can no longer be undone. Gum disease treatments come in many forms, and a periodontist can help you get back on track to good oral health and strong gums that support your teeth for years to come.
Gum disease, also called gingivitis, is a condition caused by the buildup of bacteria and plaque at the gingiva, or the gums that surround the bases of the teeth. Fortunately, gum disease is treatable, and addressing it properly can eliminate the symptoms and restore a patient’s mouth to proper function.
Gum disease results in irritation of the gums surrounding the teeth. Long-term irritation and inflammation in the sensitive tissues of the gums may cause other symptoms to emerge, such as:
If a patient’s gums are bleeding when brushing and flossing, they should not stop these oral hygiene practices. They should still maintain good habits while scheduling an appointment with a periodontist to evaluate the situation. A periodontist can treat gum disease in multiple ways depending on the symptoms that a patient is experiencing.
The most common method of addressing gingivitis is to conduct regular thorough dental cleanings. While most patients are recommended to see the dentist every six months to one year, those who are battling gingivitis should go more often — usually every three months or so.
The periodontist can provide a thorough cleaning that scrapes away the built-up plaque and tartar that is irritating the gums. Regular household toothbrushes cannot remove this thick, sturdy material, so patients must visit a professional to address this root cause of gum disease. Once the plaque has been removed, a vigilant brushing and flossing schedule alongside regular visits can stop it from recurring, giving the gums time to heal and recover.
In certain cases, gum disease has developed to a point where the gums are beginning to pull away from the teeth due to inflammation. Since the gums shield the sensitive roots of the tooth from exposure to bacteria in the mouth, their separation leaves these surfaces exposed to decay. Regular toothbrushes are also not equipped to reach the lower, root-adjacent parts of the tooth, so bacteria can flourish freely.
When patients are experiencing gingivitis symptoms due to irritation below the gumline, a periodontist may need to perform scaling and root planing. This procedure gently lifts the gums away from the tooth roots, after which the periodontist can carefully scale away bacteria and buildup in these normally inaccessible locations. Once the tooth roots have been thoroughly cleaned, the periodontist will restore the gums to their proper positions so they can cover the sensitive parts of the tooth from further bacterial infiltration.
Periodontists who complete scaling and root planing remove bacteria from hard-to-reach locations. However, another advantage of this procedure is that it smooths the tooth roots, providing a more streamlined surface for the gums to reattach. As an extra benefit, this now smoother surface is much harder for bacteria to cling to, reducing the chance of a reoccurrence.
If gum disease has progressed enough that the gums are receding away from the tooth, a periodontist can treat the condition by cleaning away the bacteria and then performing a gum graft. This procedure supplements the existing gums by taking healthy tissue from elsewhere in the mouth and attaching it to the gums that have receded. The patient will need to stay on a soft food or liquid diet for a few weeks until the gums have had a chance to attach and strengthen.
Gum disease can be uncomfortable, but it does not have to stay with you for life. A skilled periodontist can treat gum disease and restore the mouth to good health. Contact our office to schedule an appointment, whether you are currently experiencing symptoms or want to stay ahead of a possible gum disease diagnosis.
Request an appointment here: https://perioimplantsfortmyers.com or call Periodontal & Implant Specialists at (239) 791-7667 for an appointment in our Fort Myers office.
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