Gum disease is very serious, and without treatment, it can be detrimental to one's overall health. The severity of the infection determines the treatment options. When experiencing any signs of gum disease, it can be helpful to review the following information to prepare for what to expect from the treatment process.
Outlined below are four different gum disease treatment options that a general dentist may offer.
A deep dental cleaning is one of the most common periodontal treatment options used for gum disease. It is more intense than a routine dental cleaning with a hygienist. Instead of cleaning the teeth and gum line, the hygienist or dentist will go deeper beneath the gum pockets to ensure that plaque and tartar are removed. The removal of plaque and tartar can remove the infection and rid the mouth of the gum disease.
Another periodontal treatment option for gum disease is scaling and root planing, which is another cleaning procedure performed by a general dentist. As the gums are pulled back to reach the infection, scaling and root planing can cause some discomfort, so medication may be administered.
Scaling involves the removal of any plaque or tartar from above and below the gum line through a scraping method. Root planing tackles gum disease differently by smoothing out rough areas of the roots of the tooth. These rough areas develop due to the infection reaching beneath the tooth and gums.
Oral rinses, often prescribed by a general dentist, are a simpler but effective way to treat gum disease. When gum disease is in its early stages, the infection can usually be destroyed through oral rinses and improved oral hygiene. The dentist may often prescribe an oral rinse in conjunction with another periodontal treatment option, such as a dental deep cleaning. The rinse not only kills the infection but can also prevent it from recurring.
When gum disease reaches severe stages, it can cause irreversible effects, such as receding or deteriorating gums. In this case, the general dentist may recommend a more severe periodontal treatment, such as surgery. A gingivectomy involves removing dead areas of the gums. Once the decayed areas have been removed, a gingivoplasty may be recommended to reshape or contour the gum lines.
Gum disease treatment varies depending on the individual's needs. In order to determine the appropriate course of treatment, it is necessary to undergo a consultation with a dentist. The consultation will include an examination to identify how serious the infection is. Then, a treatment plan can be put in place, which will likely include one of the options listed above. Reach out to our Chapel Hill office today to learn more or to schedule a consultation.
Request an appointment here: https://www.communitysmilesnc.com or call Community Smiles at (919) 913-9075 for an appointment in our Chapel Hill office.
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