Periodontal Treatment Can Reverse the Effects of Periodontitis

Periodontal disease affects half of all Americans aged over 30 to result in tooth loss and the need for replacement solutions besides other health issues. This gum disease begins as gingivitis progresses to the advanced condition only after it is left untreated by the affected individual.

Gingivitis is the mildest form of gum disease and can easily be prevented with excellent oral hygiene and regular teeth cleanings from a dentist. However, if it is left to progress to periodontitis, the condition needs treatment from periodontists who are specialists in treating this infection.

The treatment offered by periodontists may be nonsurgical in the form of scaling and root planing and may even include flap surgery if the condition has progressed beyond a particular stage. Periodontal disease is an entirely preventable condition. Although periodontal treatment is available to reverse the situation, it would be helpful if people maintained proper oral hygiene and visited their dentist regularly for exams and cleanings.

What Are the Causes of Periodontitis?

The buildup of plaque, which is a sticky layer composed of bacteria, is the primary cause for the development of periodontitis. When the condition is left untreated, it eventually advances to periodontitis.

• The condition begins with the formation of plaque on the teeth as the sugars and starches in the food had by the individual interact with the bacteria in the mouth. Brushing twice a day and flossing helps to remove plaque, which can form quickly.
• Plaque hardens into tartar when it is allowed to remain on the teeth. Tartar is populated with bacteria and is challenging to remove with brushing and flossing. When tartar develops, it requires a deep cleaning from the Phoenix dentist to remove it.
• Plaque is the cause of gingivitis, which is the mildest form of gum disease. Gingivitis irritates and causes inflammation to the part of the gum tissue around the base of the teeth. Patients who maintain proper homecare and obtain professional treatment can reverse gingivitis quickly.
• Periodontitis is caused by ongoing gum inflammation, eventually causing pockets to develop between the gums and teeth and filling them with bacteria, plaque, and tartar. With time the pockets expand in-depth to fill with more bacteria. When left untreated, the infection can cause loss of bone and tissue, and eventually, the affected person may lose one or more teeth. Ongoing chronic periodontitis can affect the immune system of the body, making it susceptible to other conditions.

What Is the Treatment for Advanced Periodontitis?

Treatment for periodontitis is provided by a dentist, dental hygienist, or a periodontist. The therapy aims to clean the pockets around the teeth thoroughly and prevent damage to the surrounding bone. Patients have a real opportunity of favorably blowing the condition when they adopt a daily routine of good oral care, manage any health conditions that may impact dental health, and stop using tobacco.

If periodontitis hasn’t progressed the treatment for this condition may involve non-invasive procedures such as:

Scaling. To remove tartar and bacteria from the tooth surfaces and beneath the gums scaling performed using instruments, lasers, or ultrasonic devices is a useful measure.

Root planing. Root planing helps to smooth root surfaces to discourage the additional buildup of tartar and bacteria while also removing bacterial byproducts contributing to inflammation and delay in the healing or reattachment of the gum to the tooth’s surfaces.

Antibiotics. Topical or oral antibiotics are prescribed by the dentist to inhibit bacterial infection.

However, if the patient is affected by advanced periodontitis, he or she may require dental surgery such as:

• Flap surgery.
• Soft tissue grafts.
• Bone grafting.
• Guided tissue regeneration.
• Tissue stimulating proteins.

The availability of treatments for periodontal disease should not encourage anyone to neglect their oral hygiene, along with six-monthly visits to their dentist for exams and checkups. Gum disease can be detected early and reversed when patients are proactive with their dental health and do not neglect dental appointments every six months.

Besides dental visits, people can also adopt the following measures to prevent periodontal disease affecting them. They can:

• Brush their teeth twice a day or even after every meal or snack.
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and replace it every three months.
• Consider using an electric toothbrush, which is more effective at removing plaque and tartar.
• Floss every day.
• Do not smoke or chew tobacco.
• Reduce plaque from between the teeth by using a mouth rinse recommended by the dentist.

As can be seen, periodontal disease can be effectively prevented, and treatment is sought if needed from a periodontist if the condition has progressed.