Periodontitis is a serious gum disease that can cause damage to the bone and ligaments supporting your teeth. It begins when bacterial plaque accumulates on the surface of your teeth. The bacteria then multiply and release toxins, which damage the tissues and bones. This leads to bleeding, sore gums, and periodontal pockets. Depending on the severity of the disease, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics, scaling and root planing, and surgery to eliminate the infection.
Scaling and root planing is a common nonsurgical procedure that removes plaque and tartar from the tooth roots. Plaque and tartar build up over time, creating harmful accumulations that affect the teeth and jawbone. After the plaque is removed, the root surfaces of the teeth are smoothed, which allows the gums to heal.
Scaling and root planing may be performed by your dentist, or by a specialist called a periodontist. During the Periodontal Gum Treatment process, your dentist will apply a local anesthetic to make you comfortable and to minimize discomfort. In some cases, your doctor will use an ultrasonic device to remove plaque and tartar. You may also be given medication to relax you.
Pocket reduction is another common surgical procedure that is used to treat more advanced periodontal diseases. Pockets are formed when your gums pull away from the roots of your teeth, exposing the underlying bone. These pockets can trap bacteria, causing an infection that can lead to tooth loss. A pocket depth of 4 mm is considered healthy, but when they become deeper, they are a warning sign of periodontitis. Pocket reduction reshapes the underlying bone, so that the bacteria are no longer trapped and can be more easily removed.
Depending on the severity of your periodontal disease, your dentist may perform the Periodontal Gum Treatment procedures on you or refer you to a periodontist for a more in-depth treatment. If your gums have already receded, bone grafts or tissue-stimulating proteins may be used to stimulate the regeneration of new bone. However, if the bones have been completely destroyed, full periodontal surgery may be the only treatment available.
Bone grafts are used to replace the bone that is lost in periodontitis. They can be made of donated or synthetic bone. Normally, the bone is placed between the gum and the existing bone. When the bone grafts are placed, the biocompatible fabric prevents any unwanted tissue from entering the area, which allows the body to regrow the bone.
Advanced periodontitis causes the destruction of the gum tissue and connective tissues. The tissue can pull away from the teeth, leaving loose teeth and an unpleasant taste and odor in the mouth. Surgical procedures such as flap surgery, pocket reduction, and guided tissue regeneration can help reduce the risk of tooth loss.
For more advanced stages of periodontitis, the dentist may prescribe medications or Periodontal Gum Treatment or perform complex interventions to restore the structure of the jawbone. Some types of bone grafts can be purchased from a licensed bone and tissue bank. Before your procedure, your periodontist may recommend antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, or local anesthetics to reduce pain and anxiety.
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