What to Expect During Your Gum Disease Treatment

Concerned about needing gum disease treatment? Read on to learn more. Gum disease is a prevalent oral issue. In most cases, the condition goes unnoticed until it has worsened considerably. Studies have also shown that periodontal disease also increases the chance of stroke and heart disease. Therefore, it is important to seek gum disease treatment as soon as you start noticing the symptoms.

The need for gum disease treatment

The gums can often be overlooked but play an important role. Healthy gums are necessary to keep the teeth in place. If the signs of gum disease are apparent, visiting the dentist quickly usually means less invasive treatment to achieve a healthy and beautiful smile.

Plaque buildup

As with cavities, plaque buildup is the major cause of gum disease. Without a proper dental care routine, bacteria will thrive around the oral cavity. The bacteria layer accumulates and becomes sticky and hard. Hardened plaque, also known as tartar does not clean off easily and typically requires a dentist’s attention.

Plaque buildup causes the gums to become more sensitive to the bacteria and acids present. They become inflamed, sensitive, and reddish. This condition is called gingivitis, which is the first stage of gum disease. Without treatment, gum disease may become periodontitis or gum infection. Gum infection creates pockets between the teeth and surrounding soft tissues. Bacterial pathogens in these pockets can cause the gums to pull away from the tooth. The teeth lose support and other issues like bone deterioration and tooth loss are imminent.

Patients should pay attention to the symptoms of periodontal disease and seek prompt treatment. Some of the symptoms to watch include bleeding gums, gum recession, reddish or purplish coloration, and painful, swollen, and inflamed gums.

How gum disease is treated

Periodontal treatment takes more effort than a standard cleaning, but the process will restore the patient’s gums and oral health. Patients might experience some stress during the dental procedure, but the outcome is worth it. The dentist will typically use local anesthesia to prevent any discomfort during treatment.

Treatment of gum disease requires the removal of infected tissue and plaque accumulation. It usually starts with deep dental cleaning known as scaling and root planing. The dentist’s goal is to remove plaque and bacteria from the surfaces of the teeth and roots. They will also treat and remove any periodontal pockets to ensure healthy gum attachment. The dentist will apply local anesthetic before starting the deep cleaning process, as there is usually a risk of sensitivity when removing plaque below the gum line. They might recommend topical antibiotics and medications as follow-up treatment to clear up the infection and prevent reoccurrence.

After gum disease treatment, patients need to maintain good oral hygiene and follow the dentist’s specific instructions. Good oral care interrupts the bacteria cycle and requires special cleaning supplies and methods. The dentist can guide patients on steps to take and recommend products to keep their mouths healthy. A water flosser or medicated toothpaste may be necessary.