Gum disease is a common condition many patients may not realize they have. Though it’s common, it can become pretty serious, impacting the entire body’s health. With proper treatment, you can manage the condition. Tyler Family Dental provides periodontal disease treatment as part of our restorative dentistry services in Tyler, TX.
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. It starts with the buildup of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth. If plaque isn’t removed through regular brushing and flossing, it can harden into tartar, which irritates the gums. Over time, this can cause the gums to pull away from the teeth, creating pockets where more bacteria can gather. This is known as gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease.
If gingivitis is not treated, it can progress into periodontitis. At this stage, the infection can damage the bone and connective tissue that hold your teeth in place. In severe cases, teeth may become loose or need to be removed.
Causes of Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is mainly caused by poor oral hygiene. When you don’t brush and floss regularly, plaque builds up and hardens into tartar. However, other factors can also increase the risk of developing gum disease:
- Smoking: Tobacco use weakens the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off gum infections. Smoking also reduces blood flow to the gums, slowing down healing.
- Diabetes: People with diabetes are more prone to infections, including gum disease. High blood sugar levels can also contribute to the growth of bacteria in the mouth.
- Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations in hormones, such as during pregnancy or menopause, can make gums more sensitive and prone to infections.
- Medications: Certain medications, such as those that reduce saliva flow, can increase the risk of gum disease. Saliva helps wash away food particles and bacteria, so a dry mouth can lead to more plaque buildup.
- Genetics: Some people may be more genetically predisposed to gum disease, even with good oral hygiene.
Symptoms of Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease often starts with mild symptoms, which is why many people don’t realize they have it until it has progressed. Here are some signs to look out for:
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Gums that bleed easily, especially when brushing or flossing
- Persistent bad breath
- Receding gums, where the gums pull away from the teeth
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Pain when chewing
- Pus between the gums and teeth
You must see a dentist or periodontist for an evaluation if you notice any of these symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent further damage to your gums and teeth.
Treatment for Periodontal Disease in Tyler, TX
Treating periodontal disease depends on the severity of the condition. The goal is to remove the plaque and tartar causing the infection and stop the disease from progressing. Here are some common treatment options:
1. Professional Cleaning
For mild cases of periodontal disease, such as gingivitis, a professional cleaning may be enough to treat the problem. During a cleaning, a dentist or dental hygienist will remove plaque and tartar from the surface of the teeth and below the gum line. This process, called scaling, helps to eliminate the bacteria that cause gum disease. After cleaning, the gums can heal and reattach to the teeth.
Regular cleanings are also important for preventing gum disease from returning. Your dentist may recommend more frequent visits if you are at higher risk for periodontal disease.
2. Scaling and Root Planing
For more advanced cases of gum disease, your dentist may perform a deep cleaning procedure called scaling and root planing. Scaling involves removing plaque and tartar from the teeth, including areas below the gum line that are harder to reach. Root planing smooths the root surfaces of the teeth to help the gums reattach and prevent bacteria from re-entering the pockets.
This procedure may require local anesthesia to make the treatment more comfortable, especially if the disease has progressed to the deeper pockets of the gums. After the procedure, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to help control the infection.
3. Antibiotic Therapy
In some cases, your dentist may recommend antibiotics to treat periodontal disease. Antibiotics can be taken orally or applied directly to the infected gum pockets. They help to reduce the bacteria that cause the infection and promote healing. Antibiotics are often used with other treatments, such as scaling and root planing, for more effective results.
4. Surgical Treatments
If periodontal disease is severe and has caused significant damage to the gums and bone, surgery may be necessary to restore the health of your mouth. There are several types of surgical procedures used to treat advanced gum disease:
- Flap Surgery: This procedure involves lifting the gums to remove tartar and bacteria from deep pockets. After cleaning, the gums are stitched back in place to reduce the depth of the pockets and allow the gums to heal.
- Bone Grafts: If periodontal disease has destroyed bone tissue, a bone graft may be needed to help regenerate the lost bone. Bone grafts use natural or synthetic materials to encourage new bone growth and support the teeth.
- Soft Tissue Grafts: When the gums have receded due to gum disease, a soft tissue graft can be used to cover the exposed roots of the teeth. This helps protect the teeth from further damage and improves the appearance of the gums.
Schedule an Appointment
Do you think you may have periodontal disease? Call our office or schedule an appointment online for a consultation.