Periodontal treatments

• Root scaling and planing
  In the early stage of gingivitis, root scaling and planing can take care of things. This involves cleaning of the root surfaces to remove plaque and tartar from deep pockets and to smooth the tooth root to remove bacterial toxins. It will remove the plaque and tartar not only from the teeth, but from their root surfaces below the gumline. Gum inflammation, redness and bleeding will then ease off. After scaling and root planing no other further treatment should be needed. However, patients will require ongoing maintenance to maintain the overall health of the gums. Non surgical therapy does have its limitations. When it does not result in healthy gums, surgery may be required to restore gum health and to prevent further disease.

• Laser treatment
  Use of a soft-tissue dental laser can reach bacteria in deeper pockets. It vaporizes them, along with any diseased gum tissue, and prevents bleeding by cauterizing the tiny blood vessels. This is a gentle treatment, not painful at all. Modern technology has introduced the use of lasers in periodontal therapy. They may be used as a replacement method instead of scaling and root plaining. It is said to improve the overall effectiveness of this procedure. Also, when lasers are used in periodontal therapy there can be less bleeding, swelling, and discomfort to the patient during surgery. However, lasers have wavelengths, and they can be unpredictable during surgery. This can cause damage to the gum tissue.
• Gum surgery
  In very advanced cases of gum disease, a surgical procedure may be required to remove diseased gum tissue and bone. This is necessary when the dentist determines the tissue around your teeth is unhealthy and cannot be repaired without surgical treatment. The most commonly prescribed surgical treatments are pocket reduction procedures, regenerative procedures, crown lengthening, and soft tissue crafts. An advanced infection is particularly dangerous, as it can spread into the circulatory system, and thus to other parts of the body. Surgery can clean out all the bacteria, toxins and debris in gums and bone, and use some bone grafting techniques to replace lost bone.

The early treatment is essential in gum disease in order to prevent permanent tissue damage to the gums. It is also essential in preventing infection and tooth loss.

Ways to prevent this is to practice good oral hygiene habits such as brushing your teeth two times a day to keep them clean and to floss at least once a day. Make sure to make regular visits to your dentist for check ups and cleanings. Also, try to avoid tobacco use. Tobacco will reduce the ability to combat infection, it will slow down and interfere with healing and will give you a higher chance of having serious gum disease, that can result in tooth loss.