Gum disease and tooth decay go hand in hand, but they are not a match made in heaven. More of a match made in hell, and one that is usually completely preventable - with a little self-discipline coupled with regular attention from a dentist near me. Gum disease can be divided into two types; 1.Gingivitis, and 2. Periodontitis. And if you suffer any one of it, may indeed develop into periodontitis.
Gingivitis is known as the most moderate form of periodontal disease (periodontal means around the tooth).
Gum Disease Symptoms such as minor gum bleeding and swelling and can be reversed with a proper course of action from the dentist. The usual cause is poor oral hygiene, although genetics and underlying medical conditions can also be culprits. Visit the dentist’s office near me, if you notice any symptoms of gum disease.
With gingivitis there is no tissue or bone damage - in other words, the teeth have not started to become loose from their sockets. Periodontitis, however, can reach many forms, ranging from mild to severe. It occurs when gingivitis is left untreated, and eventually causes inflammation of the gums due to plaque irritation below the gum line.
As periodontitis progresses, it causes inflammation of the gums. Eventually, the tissue and bone which support them become destroyed - and the teeth fall out. It goes without saying that if your periodontitis is that advanced, your teeth are already in a bad state as well. So losing them could be a blessing in disguise!
Gum Disease Warning Signs:
Bleeding gums, especially when you brush your teeth or rinse your mouth afterward
Persistent bad breath
On rare occasions, a gum abscess can leave pus oozing from the teeth (there's a nice thought!)
Treatment of Gum Disease:
There are several ways of treating gum disease depending on the stage it has progressed.
Non-surgical treatments include:
Professional Cleaning:
To get rid of excess plaque build-up before it results in full-blown periodontitis.
Gum Scaling and Root Planing:
Plaque and tartar are scraped away and planned to make the area smooth and plaque-free. Done under local anesthetic both above and below the gum line.
The surgical process for Periodontitis Treatment:
Pocket Reduction Surgery:
Gum tissue is folded back and the bacteria in the "pocket" made as a result of gum disease is cleaned away. Surfaces of a damaged bone can also be smoothed at the same time to make it easier for the gum tissue to reattach itself to the bone.
Soft Tissue Grafts:
Managing a flap of tissue from the gum or mouth to expand the existing gums.
Guided Tissue Regeneration:
Helps bone and tissue to regrow around a tooth that is in danger. The soft tissue is pulled away, the tooth is cleaned and infected tissues removed. A tiny GTR membrane is then kept amid the tooth and the tissue to separate them so that slow-growing fibers will advance to the area, along with bone cells.
Bone Grafts:
Similar to the above but the bone is then filled in with graft material to encourage regrowth after the tooth has been cleaned and pulled away from the soft tissue.
Get the treatment from Midtown Dental to relieve gum disease.