When I had a badly decayed tooth extracted, I got a partial denture to fill in the gap. I didn't mind it at first, because I was just so happy to have my painful tooth out of my mouth. Over time, I began to get tired of taking it out at night. I asked my dentist if I was could get a dental implant, and he said that my gum disease did not make me a good candidate, but a fixed bridge may be a good option for me. I went with his suggestion, and I have no regrets. I love feeling like I have a real tooth again that I don't have to remove at night. I created this blog to remind other people with a missing tooth that they have many replacement options, and if one is not for you, then try another that may be right.
Periodontal disease is an advanced gum disease that may cause tooth loss if not treated promptly. If you have swollen and red gums, bad breath, or loose teeth, you may have periodontal disease. It is important to speak to your dentist as soon as possible to start treatment.
Here are several treatment options for periodontal disease that you should know about.
Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is one of the most common treatments for periodontal disease and involves removing plaque and tartar from above and below your gum line and smoothing your tooth roots. The treatment aims to reduce the pockets between your teeth and gums, lowering your risk of bone and tooth loss. It often requires multiple trips to your dentist's office and is performed under a local anesthetic.
Gum Graft Surgery
Gum graft surgery is designed for dental patients with receding gums. If you have receding gums, you may see the roots of your teeth, which can put you at risk of further decay. With this procedure, a periodontist will take healthy gum tissue and use it to cover the exposed roots.
Pocket Reduction Surgery
Pocket reduction surgery is designed to get rid of bacteria between your gums and teeth and is performed on patients with advanced periodontal disease. During the procedure, a periodontist will gently pull back your gum tissue and remove harmful bacteria with special tools. At the end of the procedure, your periodontist will stitch back your gums.
Laser Therapy
Lasers can be used to treat a wide range of conditions these days, including periodontal disease. During this treatment, a periodontist will use a laser to remove damaged gum tissue, tartar, and plaque. Once the procedure is completed, your gums will need time to regenerate.
Bone Grafting
Sometimes periodontal disease can become so severe that it destroys the bone around your tooth root. If you are in this situation, your periodontist may want to perform a bone graft, which involves taking fragments of your own bone and placing them in the areas where bone loss has happened. The bone graft can help you regrow natural bone and prevent tooth loss.
If you have been diagnosed with periodontal disease, you have many treatment options to choose from. It is very possible to have healthy gums again. Schedule an appointment with a periodontist as soon as possible to talk about periodontal disease treatment options.
Share7 July 2022
