Periodontal Disease
Madison, AL
 Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a pervasive oral health complication that affects many people globally. In the initial stages of infection, you may not experience discomfort, but if you delay professional intervention, the condition poses a significant threat to your dental health. If you notice a problem with your gums and overall oral health, the professionals at Singing River Dentistry can assess, diagnose, and address the problem.
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What Is Periodontal (Gum) Disease?
Gum disease is a chronic oral health condition characterized by infections and inflammation of the gums and the supporting bone structure around the teeth. There are usually two stages: gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is the initial and more common form, often characterized by swollen, red, or bleeding gums. Periodontitis is a more advanced stage, causing the gums to pull away from the teeth, bone mass loss, and tooth mobility or loss. Periodontal disease is primarily caused by plaque buildup, which seriously harms your dental health and overall well-being.
Can Gum Disease Be Reversed?
Yes, gum disease is reversible. In the early stages, it can often be reversed with proper dental care and oral hygiene practices. Regular brushing, flossing, and professional dental cleaning sessions can reduce inflammation and symptoms. However, it is crucial to catch and address the condition early to avoid progression into a more severe and irreversible stage, periodontitis. Once periodontitis sets in, your dentist can help manage it, but complete reversal may not be possible.
What Is Periodontal (Gum) Treatment?
Periodontal treatment is a comprehensive approach to addressing gum disease and the subsequent complications. Treatment is administered by a dentist or a specialized periodontist, often in collaboration with a dental hygienist. The main goal of this collaborative approach is to clean the deep pockets around the teeth and prevent further damage to the surrounding gum tissue and underlying bone. This process may involve various procedures such as scaling and root planing to remove plaque and tartar buildup. In advanced cases, surgical interventions may be required. Besides professional treatments, your active participation is crucial for a successful treatment. Maintain a daily routine of thorough oral care, manage underlying health conditions, and avoid tobacco use to preserve and restore oral health.
What Is Periodontal (Gum) Maintenance?
Periodontal or gum maintenance is essential to ongoing care for individuals with gum disease or those who have undergone periodontal procedures. This specialized maintenance regimen focuses on maintaining and monitoring the gum health and supporting structures around the teeth. Maintenance usually involves deep cleaning procedures, such as scaling and root planing, to remove tartar and plaque effectively. Regular periodontal maintenance is crucial in preserving the results of previous treatments and preventing further deterioration of gum health.
What Is Laser LANAP Periodontal Treatment?
Laser LANAP (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure) is an FDA-cleared advanced dental treatment that provides a less invasive and more effective alternative to traditional gum surgery for individuals with gum disease. This innovative approach leverages laser technology to target the source of inflammation without causing harm to healthy gum tissue. Unlike conventional surgery, LANAP promotes periodontal regeneration, new bone growth, and the reattachment of gum tissue. Research shows that it is highly successful in treating gum disease by slowing or stopping attachment loss and reducing pocket depth, allowing the body to recover from chronic infection naturally.
What Does Periodontal Treatment Involve?
Periodontal treatment involves various procedures that address gum disease and maintain healthy supporting structures around the teeth. While specific treatments vary depending on the severity of the condition, most include thorough cleaning to remove plaque and tartar above and below the gum line. In mild gum disease or gingivitis cases, professional dental cleanings and improved oral hygiene practices can rectify the problem and mitigate further damage. However, advanced periodontal disease, or periodontitis, requires effective treatment solutions, like scaling and root planing. We recommend regular follow-up visits and good oral care practices at home to reduce inflammation, prevent further tissue damage, and maintain or restore oral health.
Surgical Treatment For Periodontal Disease
Despite innovative treatments like LANAP, surgical treatment may be recommended for severe cases of gum disease. This is often the case when non-surgical methods are insufficient. Surgical treatment involves several procedures, including flap surgery and bone or tissue grafts. Flap surgery entails lifting the gum tissue to access and clean deep pockets and repositioning the gums to fit around the teeth. Bone and soft tissue grafts, on the other hand, are vital to replace lost bone and cover exposed tooth roots, respectively. These surgical treatments are performed under local anesthesia to ensure comfort and oral health.
Non Surgical Periodontal Treatments
Non-surgical periodontal treatments are usually the first line of defense against gum disease, especially in the early stages. These minimally invasive treatments address gingivitis or mild periodontitis. The most common non-surgical approach is scaling and root planing, which removes plaque buildup from the tooth surfaces, both above and below the gum line. Your dentist may recommend more frequent cleaning sessions and guide you in improving oral hygiene practices at home. We can prescribe antimicrobial mouth rinses or antibiotics to control bacterial infections. However, regular follow-up visits and comprehensive oral care routines are crucial for maintaining the results of non-surgical periodontal treatments.
Can You Get Braces After Periodontal Treatment?
Most people who undergo periodontal treatment often wonder if braces are a viable option in the future. The answer is yes! However, it requires careful consideration and coordination between your periodontist, orthodontist, and general dentist. Before getting braces, consult your physician to address underlying signs of gum disease or periodontal problems. Your dental team will assess your oral health and tailor a treatment plan that may involve a combination of periodontal maintenance, orthodontic treatment, and ongoing monitoring to ensure the best possible outcome. A holistic approach is essential to achieve straight teeth and a healthy periodontal environment.
Is Periodontal Disease Treatment Painful?
Periodontal disease treatment can vary in terms of discomfort depending on the severity of the condition and the specific procedures involved. Non-surgical treatments like scaling and root planing are usually tolerable, as they often cause mild discomfort or sensitivity. This can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and improved oral hygiene practices. Invasive surgical interventions for advanced gum disease, such as flap surgery or grafting procedures, may involve post-operative discomfort, swelling, or mild pain, but this is controlled with prescribed medications and proper aftercare.
Contact Us Today!
Gum disease can cause severe oral health complications, prompting a visit to your dentist immediately. At Singing River Dentistry, we guide pain management and ensure your comfort throughout the treatment process. Contact us at 256 - 562 - 4001 and schedule a consultation with an expert to improve your smile and overall well-being.
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