Periodontal Care and Maintenance It is quite important to keep our gums safe and healthy, as they hold our teeth in place and can help to prevent bacteria from attacking its root surface. Still, as a result of poor oral hygiene and aging, one could develop periodontal disease. In fact, according to the American Dental Association (ADA), over 47 percent of adults over the age of 30 have some form of it. Unfortunately, periodontal disease cannot be cured, but it can be controlled. As so, our team at Viva Smiles Family Dental can provide you with professional care so you can safely enjoy your mouth and your beautiful smile to its fullest. What is Periodontitis?Periodontitis, or periodontal disease, is the result of severely infected gums and the bone beneath it. This chronic condition is caused by bacteria. In its earliest stage, the periodontal disease typically shows up in the form of gingivitis. Gums may appear red and inflamed and may easily begin to bleed while brushing your teeth. If left untreated, both gum disease and periodontitis may make the gums recede or decay the bone underneath, destabilizing teeth and making them become loose and fall out. Periodontal maintenance is incredibly important to help treat and control periodontitis and its symptoms. What is periodontal maintenance? Essentially, it is a specialized deep cleaning, which can be performed in many ways. It differs from a standard dental cleaning by being a treatment, not a preventive procedure. Depending on the case, periodontal maintenance can be either surgical or non-surgical. Non Surgical ProceduresNon-surgical procedures are for minor to mild cases of periodontal disease. There are three common treatments that do not involve surgery. Scaling is the first option, and it is performed by removing tartar buildup and bacteria from the tooth and beneath your gums. A scaler, lasers, and ultrasonic devices are commonly used for this. Root planing, on the other hand, involves smoothing the tooth root surfaces from deep within the gums, which removes any contaminants and bacteria causing damage. It also helps your gums reattach to teeth in the presence of a pocket, making it harder for bacteria to appear again. Lastly, antibiotics are almost always recommended in the presence of infections. Surgical ProceduresSurgical procedures are oftentimes ideal for advanced cases of periodontitis. Flap surgery involves the incision of the gums so that our specialists can precisely remove any hard buildup of tartar and bacteria. The gums will then heal as refreshed, healthy gums. In case your gums have receded and reduced by a significant extent, a gum graft could be required. A gum graft borrows small amounts of soft tissue from your palate and donates it to the affected area, so it can regain a desirable thickness. Similarly, for bone loss in the mouth, a small bone graft could promote jawbone regrowth. In certain cases, tissue-stimulating proteins may be applied. They contain enamel and soft-tissue promoters, which are directly applied to the root of the tooth. Periodontal maintenance can help take the discomfort out of advanced gum disease. If you have any questions regarding the wide array of periodontal treatments available, or if you or someone you know has been diagnosed with periodontal disease, please contact our team of experts here at Viva Smiles Family Dental at (512) 863-9555 today. |
