According to the Centers for Disease Control, half of adults over the age of 30 suffer from periodontal disease. Without treatment, gum disease could lead to sore and bleeding gums, and even a greater risk of tooth loss. In today’s blog, your Brighton, MA, dentists will discuss how we help treat this issue.
The Causes and Impacts of the Disease
Periodontal disease forms when inflammation remains untreated in your smile. Without treatment to reverse it, inflammation, also known as gingivitis, could cause the tissues to pull away from the teeth and form pockets. When bacteria enter these pockets, the disease develops. While the inflammation can be reversed, the disease cannot. Instead, regular treatment is needed to manage the issue and prevent worsening symptoms or adult otoh loss. Common factors include a family history of the disease, the use of specific medications, inflammatory illnesses, and lack of care to control plaque buildup, such as dental cleanings and daily brushing and flossing. Tobacco use is also a factor, as is a diet high in sugar and starch, which feeds bacteria. Symptoms include sore, red, and bleeding gums.
Scaling and Root Planing
If you experience changes to your gums, such as redness, soreness, or bleeding, then you may need a scaling and root planning. This includes removing plaque and tartar from both the teeth and the roots with an ultrasonic scaling device and a manual tool. Depending on how severe the buildup actually is, this could take one visit or up to four. For comfort, we numb the smile first. The last step involves polishing the teeth. Following this, traditional dental cleanings could be required every three to four months to better control buildup.
Gum Surgery
What if you have a care too severe for a scaling and root planing to address? In these situations, you may need to work with our on-staff periodontitis, Dr. Kondrat. He can perform specialized surgeries to remove disease tissues and allow the rest of our team to manage the disease with regular periodontal maintenance, including cleanings every few months. Your smile can regenerate new and healthy tissues, preserving your teeth and preventing loss, while also controlling uncomfortable symptoms too. At home, you can help with daily brushing and flossing, a healthy diet, and avoiding tobacco products.
If you have any questions about how we improve your periodontal health, then contact our team today to learn more.
Ready to Safeguard Your Smile?
We want to help prevent tooth loss due to the impact of untreated periodontal disease. To learn more about treating issues like gingivitis and periodontal disease, then schedule a consultation by calling Brighton Family Dental Group in Brighton, MA, today at (617) 562-5210. We proudly welcome patients from Brookline, Newton, and all surrounding communities.
