There Are More Treatments for Gum Disease Than You Might Realize
Most people who learn they have gum disease are immediately worried. There is a good reason for this because gum disease can quickly go from mild to severe. That said, the good news is this: there are many ways to treat it. Keep reading to learn about the various options and then contact California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 if you are in need of a dental cleaning and exam.
The Two Main Options: Surgical and Non-Surgical
There are two main types of treatment for gum disease – surgical and non-surgical. Surgery is not generally required unless the gum disease has become very advanced. Most people who visit their dentist on the recommended basis will be in the gingivitis phase when it is caught, which can be treated by simply brushing and flossing more frequently.
Scaling and Planing is a Popular Non-Surgical Option
One of the most commonly used procedures to get rid of gum disease is scaling and planing. It is entirely surgery-free. It involves scraping away plaque and tartar from above and also below the gum line. This is the scaling part. We then smooth down the rough areas on the tooth. This is the planing part. When we smooth the teeth down, this removes bacteria and creates a clean surface for your gums to reattach.
Flap Surgery or Pocket Reduction Surgery
Flap surgery, also known as pocket reduction surgery, involves lifting the gums back and removing tartar. Once that is done, the gums are placed to allow tissue to fit securely around the tooth in question. This then lowers the amount of space between the gums and teeth, which subsequently reduces the areas that harmful bacteria are able to grow.
Bone Grafts Might Be Your Best Option
If a bone graft is recommended, we will use part of your own bone, donated bone, or synthetic bone to replace bone that has been destroyed by the disease. This graft then serves as a platform to allow new bone to grow and will create the physical stability your teeth need. Soft tissue grafts can then be added to reinforce thin bums or to fill in places where your gums have receded. This is done by taking tissue from the roof of your mouth.
Guided Tissue Regeneration Can Be an Option
As we mentioned above, there are many options, including guided tissue regeneration. This is necessary when the bone that should be supporting the teeth has been entirely or mostly destroyed. The procedure stimulates tissue and bone growth and is generally done with flap surgery. Essentially, a small piece of mesh-like fabric is put between the bone and gum tissue to gum from growing where the gone should be.
Are you worried that you have gum disease? Do you need help from an experienced dentist? Then contact California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 to get started. We are happy to set up an appointment to help you get your oral health healthy again.
