Combatting Gum Disease: The Essentials of Periodontal Treatment
Periodontal disease, a prevalent condition, entails the gradual deterioration of the supportive tissues surrounding your teeth, including the gums and underlying bone. Infection, and inflammation caused by bacteria, plaque, and calculus lead to the progressive breakdown of soft tissues, potentially extending to the underlying jawbone if left untreated.
The periodontal treatment in King of Prussia, PA offered by a team of dedicated periodontists helps restore your oral aesthetics by addressing periodontal disease.
What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease is a common dental infection caused by an increased bacterial infiltration that leads to the accumulation of plaque and calculus. The acids and toxins released from them erode the soft tissues (gingivitis) and may progress to the underlying jawbone (periodontitis), due to an inflammatory reaction by your body’s defense system. If left untreated, it can eventually lead to tooth loss.
What are the symptoms associated with periodontal disease?
You can expect any of the following symptoms while suffering from periodontal disease:
- Discolored, puffy gums
- Gums bleed easily
- Receding gums
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Gaps or spaces between your teeth (diastema)
- Abscess with pus discharge
- Malocclusion
How is periodontal disease treated?
The treatment for periodontal disease depends on the extent and severity of the condition. Your dentist may adopt the following treatment approach:
- Non-surgical: For mild to moderate periodontal disease.
- Antibiotics
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- These are prescribed in the form of oral drugs or topical gels to fight infection
- Scaling and root planning
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- These deep dental cleanings are routine procedures that allow the dentist to eliminate plaque, calculus, and bacteria beneath the gum line.
- Root planing involves eliminating plaque and calculus from the root surfaces; this helps prevent plaque adherence.
- Surgical: For moderate to severe periodontal disease
- Flap surgery
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- An incision is made on your gums and a flap is raised to access the tooth roots and clean them thoroughly.
- Bone grafting
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- This is an effective procedure to counteract bone loss by replacing the lost tissue with a graft material.
- The graft may be your bone, donated bone, or a synthetic material.
- Gum grafting
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- Gum grafting helps treat gum recession by placing a tissue graft around the affected teeth and suturing it.
- The graft is obtained from any part of your oral cavity that covers the exposed tooth roots.
- Guided tissue regeneration
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- A special biocompatible material is placed between the bone and the affected tooth.
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)
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- PRP is extracted from your blood sample and injected into the deficient areas to encourage bone growth.
Periodontal disease, though common, can be devastating. You may not be able to completely reverse periodontal disease, but you can easily manage the symptoms through early detection.