Does Gum Disease Go Away?
Maybe you first noticed when you looked in the mirror this morning or it took until one of our Plantation, FL, dentists examined your mouth. Either way, your gums aren’t looking too hot which could mean you’re showing . Don’t panic, we can help you manage the condition though it won’t disappear unless it’s very early in its development.
Here’s how periodontal treatment works if you’ve received a gum disease diagnosis.
Gum Disease Progression
When it comes to gum disease, there is gingivitis,which is more of an infection, and there is long-term periodontitis. The two stages differ in that gingivitis is reversible if treated promptly by our local gum disease dentists and you practice disciplined at-home oral care.
The onset of gingivitis can be subtle at times and involve no discomfort but some symptoms are easier to notice. For instance, red, swollen gums that bleed easily or sensitive teeth are indicators that your oral hygiene has been less than stellar. You’ll want to have your smile checked out inside our Plantation, FL, dental office as soon as possible to see if periodontal therapy is needed to prevent your condition from worsening.
Doing nothing with serious periodontal disease may result in:
- Loss of bone and tissue
- Tooth loss
- Teeth that move or are loose
Later stages of periodontitis can also lead to the pockets that have developed between your gums and teeth becoming deeper. Our dentists will probe these pockets to diagnose the stage of gum disease that you have. For reference, a depth measurement of 4 to 5 millimeters will indicate slight periodontal disease and require specialized cleaning beyond at-home care. Moderate periodontal disease is associated with a measurement of 6 to 7 millimeters while the most advanced form is 7 millimeters or greater.
What Is Periodontal Treatment?
Whether you were shocked to discover you had gum disease or not, the main goals of treatment remain the same:
- Reduce swelling, the depth of pockets formed, and the risk of infection
- Encourage reattachment of healthy gums to teeth
- Stop disease progression by removing dental plaque and tartar buildup
Our dentists will evaluate your condition before determining if either a professional teeth cleaning or targeted treatments for gum disease are necessary. We’ll also discuss whether additional products like specialized mouth rinses or toothpastes would positively benefit your oral routine.
The Process of Scaling and Root Planing
Commonly used to treat chronic cases of gum disease, consists of a two-part deep dental cleaning below the gumline and begins with the scaling portion.
To ensure you remain comfortable throughout the procedure, we will administer a local anesthetic before getting started. If at any point during the cleaning you feel pain, please don’t hesitate to let either our dentists, assistants, or hygienists know.
First, our dentists will remove all plaque and tartar above as well as underneath the gumline. Affected gums tend to separate from the teeth and deep pockets form between the two, thus inviting more infection. That’s why it is so important to clean down to the bottom of the pocket during the scaling step.
Next, we’ll transition into root planing. This part of the procedure involves smoothing out the teeth roots so the gums are able to reattach to your teeth. Depending on how advanced the infection is, scaling and root planing for gum disease may take multiple visits to our office.
How Do I Stop Early Gum Disease?
Assuming your condition has not yet progressed beyond gingivitis, there are things you can do at home with regards to gum disease prevention. For starters, be sure you are brushing your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes at a time and flossing once daily.
When doing either, remember to practice good technique and aim to reach the nooks and crannies in between teeth. We can help show you the most effective ways to brush and floss if you’re unsure. Aside from brushing and flossing, we also recommend you use an antibacterial mouthwash to rinse your mouth at least once a day.
Taking time out of your day to properly clean your mouth is important. A solid routine will benefit you and work to fight bad breath as well as limit plaque buildup.
Commit to Your Gum Health
Our dentists in Plantation serving Greater Fort Lauderdale, FL, have years of experience treating different stages of gum disease. You can trust that we’ll take good care of your smile. Call Barr Dental Group today at (954) 327-7400 to request an appointment.
This blog has been updated.