What Does Periodontal Treatment Plan Involve?

Although gum bleeding can occur after you brush your teeth with a hard-bristled brush, it is not a normal occurrence. When you notice gum bleeding after flossing, it may be a sign of a serious problem—gum disease.
Periodontal disease is a potentially dangerous oral problem and needs to be addressed on time. Several treatments can help get rid of the problem, but before you can choose one, it is important to visit a periodontal dentist near you.

What is Gum Disease and Its Causes?

Gum or periodontal disease is a bacterial infection that affects the gums. It develops in stages starting with inflammation or gingivitis.

• Gingivitis

Gingivitis is characterized by gum inflammation and is the early stage of periodontal disease. The problem with gingivitis is that it develops without obvious symptoms, meaning it can often go unnoticed. The good news is that if noticed early it can be reversed.

• Periodontitis

As the infection advances, it can get to the periodontitis stage, which is often irreversible, which requires several treatments to address the problem. Periodontitis causes the gums to recede and the formation of gum pockets that expose the roots and increases the risk of decay.

You will experience bright red or purplish gums, pus, loose teeth, bad breath, and lingering tooth sensitivity.

How are Periodontal Treatments Done?

Periodontal treatment in Frisco is done in phases and the dentist will begin the process with a comprehensive dental examination. The primary purpose of the examination is to check the severity of the gum disease and the condition of the jaw. Depending on the stage of the gum disease, our dentist in Frisco will suggest any of the following treatments.

1. Non-surgical procedures

If the gum disease is in the early stages (gingivitis), the dentist will use the non-surgical treatments:

• Medication

Gum disease is a bacterial infection and as such, medications that get rid of the infection are the primary treatment. The dentist can give you topical medication to apply to the gums and oral drugs.

• Scaling

Deep professional treatment is done to remove plaques and tartar (the primary cause of gum disease) accumulated along the gum line and underneath.

• Root planning

If there is a presence of gum recession, the dentist may perform root planning to reshape the gums and cover the spaces that can trap food particles.

2. Flap surgery procedure

If the gum disease advances, gum pockets, that trap food, and bacteria, will form. Flap surgery or pocket reduction procedure is done to address the situation. Our Frisco dentist will cut the gums and clean the area. Often gum disease affects the bone, and the dentist will first reshape it before reattaching the gums.

3. Grafting procedures
As part of the gum treatment, the dentist may do a tissue and bone graft. Gum recession is usually caused by loss of tissue matter and a tissue graft can help to stimulate new growth. The dentist will take a small matter from the palate or the cheeks and reattach them to the affected area.

Bone grafting is done to stimulate new bone growth and solve bone loss. The dentist will use bone granules from your hip or synthetic to promote new bone.

Guided tissue regeneration is similar to bone grafting, only that the dentist will use a framework or material. This procedure not only supports tissue growth and covers all the spaces that can cause the bacteria to sneak through.

What Factors Increase Your Risk of Gum Disease?

While gum disease can affect anyone, several factors can increase the risk. These include smoking, type 2 diabetes, hormonal imbalance, compromised immunity, dry mouth, and poor nutrition.

How Can You Prevent Periodontal Disease?

Proper dental hygiene is the best way to prevent gum disease as it stops the accumulation of tartar and plaques. Getting regular dental cleanings is also needed to keep the teeth and gums clean. If you suffer from dry mouth, the dentist may also recommend a fluoride treatment.

Schedule an Appointment

Visit Millennium Smiles for more information about periodontal disease treatment and which one is most suitable for you.