Many people in Campbell, California, probably think of gum disease as a minor annoyance that is treatable with a bit of flossing and brushing. Unfortunately, this view is far too simplistic. Gum disease is a severe problem that can lead to tooth loss, heart disease, and other health complications if left untreated. Fortunately, there are many different treatments available for gum disease, so no matter your situation, there is likely a treatment that will work for you. A specialist in gum treatments in Campbell, CA, will first use the following treatments to serve you.
Deep Cleanings
Deep cleanings remove tartar (also called plaque) and calculus (also called tartar). These deposits tend to build up in the spaces between teeth, on the surfaces of teeth, and around the gums.
While some mild cases of gum disease may go away after these deposits are removed using an ultrasonic scaler or other tools, more severe cases will benefit from a deep cleaning that includes a local anesthetic. After the procedure, you will be given antibiotics and painkillers to make sure you find relief as quickly as possible.
Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing are considered the gold standard for treating gum disease. During the procedure, your dentist scrapes or files down your teeth to remove plaque and tartar that were not removed during a deep cleaning. It is often enough to stop the progression of gum disease in its tracks.
Sometimes, deeper pockets form between teeth and gums due to gum disease. These pockets make it easier for plaque and tartar to hide, which means that your dentist may need to perform several cleanings or scaling procedures before the gums are healthy again.
Prescription Medications
Prescription medications are usually reserved for severe cases of gum disease. They’re also sometimes used when scaling and root planing doesn’t significantly improve. The most common prescription medication for gum disease is doxycycline, which works by inhibiting certain enzymes that support the progression of inflammatory reactions.
Bone and Tissue Grafts
Bone and tissue grafts are another standard treatment for gum disease. During this procedure, your dentist will take bone or tissue from another part of your body and use it to rebuild the gum tissue around your teeth. This is often done to prevent tooth loss in severe cases of gum disease.
Flap Surgery
Flap surgeries treat gum disease around the back of your mouth. During flap surgery, your dentist will make an incision to access the diseased tissue at the gum line. Then, they remove excess gum tissue and plaque from underneath the gums using a scalpel or other tool.
Once that is complete, they may suture (stitch) the area closed using several different suture materials, such as nylon or silk. Finally, the incision will usually be covered with a bandage for about five days to allow healing and reduce the risk of infection.
Gum disease is a severe issue that can lead to tooth loss and other health complications if left untreated. Fortunately, there are many different types of treatment available for gum disease, so no matter what your situation is, chances are good there’s a solution out there for you. What you need is to speak with a gum treatments specialist.
Johnson