Periodontal

Gum or periodontal diseases are prevalent and begin with poor oral hygiene. With poor oral hygiene, plaque and tartar deposits start accumulating on the tooth surfaces and lead to bacterial infestation. Once the plaque seeps below the gumline, it makes way for the bacteria to reach the tooth roots. Bacterial growth infects the gums and causes them to recede and pull away from teeth. As a result, one may experience tooth loss.

Periodontal disease is progressive in nature. The first stage is called gingivitis. It is associated with symptoms like red, swollen, and bleeding gums. It is a reversible condition and can be easily dealt with regular brushing and flossing. However, if gingivitis is ignored and left untreated, it advances to periodontitis. During this stage, the bacteria starts infecting the gum tissue, underlying bone, and ligaments that support teeth. This is the stage where patients start losing teeth. Periodontitis is not reversible requires surgical treatment. Some common symptoms of periodontal diseases are:

• Change in the appearance of gums. They may appear brown instead of pink.
• Inflamed and tender gums.
• Increased sensitivity towards hot and cold foods and beverages.
• Formation of abscess pockets.
• Facial swelling that extends to the neck.
• Formation of periodontal pockets.
• Persistent foul breath.
• Loose teeth that are ready to fall out.
• Gum recession.
• Drainage from the gums and teeth.

What are the non-surgical treatments for periodontal diseases?

Some patients only require a non-surgical periodontal treatment procedure. Non-surgical procedures help treat mild-moderate cases of periodontal disease.

a) Professional Dental Cleaning

As we know, the accumulation of plaque and tartar leads to bacterial infestation, which gives birth to gum diseases. But it is difficult to remove plaque and tartar deposits only through regular brushing and flossing. This is where professional dental cleaning comes in. A professional dental cleaning removes plaque and tartar deposits from hard to reach areas in the mouth and makes it squeaky clean. Initial stages of gum diseases are treated with professional dental cleaning. You should get a professional dental cleaning twice a year.

b) Scaling and Root Planing

Scaling and root planing are together called deep cleaning. If the gum disease has progressed from the initial stage to a slightly moderate level, it is treated through scaling and root planing. This procedure is performed under a local anesthetic and removes hardened layers of plaque and tartar from both above and below the gumline. Also, the tooth roots are smoothened to remove rough spots that house bacteria. Clean and smooth tooth surfaces find it easy to attach themselves to the gums.