Periodontal disease is incredibly common–in fact, 20-30% percent of adults have some form of gum disease. Gum disease usually starts subtly with swollen gums that are sensitive when you brush or floss them. As it progresses, the gums become more inflamed, bleed frequently, and recede. If the infection spreads far enough, tooth loss can result as the bones in your teeth are weakened.
Gum disease doesn’t need to have the last say. Thousands of patients have found relief from gum disease through the help of their dentist and the latest dental technology. Let’s talk about some of the gum therapy options available.
Gum Therapy Options That Reverse Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease requires the attention of a dental professional. Fortunately, there are plenty of dental technologies available to dentists that can clean out the infection and help your gums start healing.
Dental Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is a heavy-duty, deep cleaning of your teeth. This is a common procedure that we use for many of our patients. Regular brushing and flossing can remove plaque that has built up on the surfaces of your teeth, but scaling and root planing go even further:
- Scaling removes plaque from the built-up pockets that have developed in your gums. This shrinks the affected area and removes the accrued tartar.
- Planing involves smoothing the roots of your tooth to help them reconnect to your gums and prevent more bacteria from festering there.
Scaling and root planing usually requires multiple visits to our office so that we can monitor your progress and make sure that your gums are on the way to healing. Patients love this option because it’s targeted, effective, pain-free, and doesn’t require surgery
Laser Gum Therapy
Dental technology has progressed to the point that lasers are now an option for removing plaque and tartar. Laser gum therapy accomplishes the same results as traditional dental scaling and root planing, but is often capable of targeting the affected areas more deeply. The following are benefits of laser therapy:
- More accurate treatment.
- Less painful.
- Faster healing process.
- Extra thorough clean.
Fluoride Prescriptions
For mild cases of periodontal disease, many dentists can also prescribe fluoride that can help to remineralize and protect your gums. Fluoride strengthens your teeth and gums, creating a healthier oral environment that can defend against infection. By using the fluoride, your gums will typically feel less inflamed in a matter of weeks.
Which Form of Gum Therapy Is Right for Me?
There is no one-size-fits-all treatment. Effective dental solutions must be tailored to the patient and their current health situation. The best thing you can do is to work with your dentist to diagnose the situation and come up with a plan. At Wagner Dental this process might look something like this:
- Understanding what we are up against | We can take a look at your teeth through an oral examination and x-rays to determine how much the periodontal disease has progressed. We use this information to develop a plan to stop the spread of periodontal disease and reverse its damage.
- Coming up with a plan | Next, we create a treatment plan from the available options. We have plenty of experience treating periodontal disease, and we can provide you with a good idea of how long treatment will take. We will decide on a plan together to help get your oral health back on track.
- Treatment (gum therapy) | Next, we start treating your gums. It might take multiple visits to do this, but you’ll start to notice a difference as the swelling recedes and your gums begin to heal. It’s important to keep a good oral hygiene routine during this process to keep bacteria away from your healing gums.
Conquer Gum Disease Today!
No two cases of periodontal diseases are the same, but dentists are highly skilled at identifying and treating gum disease. Many people struggle with gum disease, but it doesn’t mean that you have to. You can be proactive in avoiding it by brushing and flossing daily.
If plaque has built up and gone untreated, gum therapy is always available. Reach out to Wagner Dental today and we’ll get you the care you need.