Gum disease is a commonly occurring issue in adults throughout the world. This condition, also known as periodontal disease, is caused by bacteria buildup and leads to inflammation of the gums. If left untreated, gum disease can cause serious issues like tooth loss and damage to the surrounding bone. Fortunately, there are effective treatments available for gum disease. This post will discuss the various treatment options available for gum disease so that you can take the next steps toward a healthy smile.

1. Non-surgical treatments:

Non-surgical treatments are used in the early stages of gum disease. These treatments involve deep cleaning of the teeth and gums, also known as scaling and root planing. A dental professional will perform this procedure to remove the bacteria buildup and plaque from the tooth's surface and below the gum line. Additionally, your dentist may recommend adjunct therapies like antibacterial mouthwash, oral antibiotics, or a locally applied antimicrobial gel.

2. Surgical treatments:

If left untreated, gum disease can progress and lead to deeper pockets around your teeth. When the pockets become too deep to treat with non-surgical intervention, surgical options become necessary. One type of surgery developed specifically for gum disease is called flap surgery, wherein the gums are lifted away from the teeth, and the underlying bone is cleaned and smoothed. Still, other types of surgery may involve gum grafting or regeneration of damaged tissue.

3. Laser Therapy:

Lasers are a modern way to treat and control gum disease by using high-intensity light to remove bacteria and infected tissue. Lasers are great for highly specific, targeted procedures as they have the ability to pinpoint the infected areas accurately. Laser therapy is currently considered an adjunctive therapy to traditional periodontal therapies.

4. Pocket Reduction Surgery:

Pocket reduction surgery is one of the most common treatment options available for moderate to severe gum disease. This procedure aims to reduce the pocket depth and prevent interruption of the gum tissue from deteriorating further. During this surgery, the dentist will reduce the depth of the periodontal pockets, clean them thoroughly, and position the gum tissue to fit snugly around the teeth.

5. Dental Implants:

In severe cases of gum disease where teeth have already been lost, dental implants are the recommended solution to replace these teeth. Once a tooth is lost from gum disease, it has weakened the jawbone, and without replacing the tooth root with an implant, the jawbone may continue to weaken, leading to additional tooth loss. With dental implants, the artificial tooth root is inserted directly into the jawbone, providing maximum support and stability to the attached tooth.

Gum disease can lead to serious oral health issues and even impact your overall health. Therefore, it's important to seek professional treatment at the right time. If you suspect you have gum disease, make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible to discuss your options. By taking care of your oral health, you can have healthy gums, teeth, and a beautiful smile.

Contact a dentist for more information on gum disease treatments.