At its earliest stage, gingivitis is often reversible with improved oral hygiene and dental cleanings. A periodontist can use a deep dental cleaning called scaling and root planing to remove bacteria-laden plaque and tartar from your teeth roots.
They can also use a probe to measure the pockets around your teeth and may take X-rays to check for bone loss. They can also give you instructions to improve your oral hygiene habits.
Periodontal Disease
A thin layer of bacteria called plaque builds up on teeth and hardens to form tartar. Brushing and flossing remove only some of the plaque, and bacterial toxins can irritate gum tissue and cause them to bleed. If left untreated, gingivitis progresses to periodontitis, which destroys the bone and connective tissue that support your teeth. Bad breath and loose teeth are common symptoms of gum disease. Periodontitis has been linked to heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
To treat gum disease treatment opelousas, the first step is a deep cleaning to remove bacterial plaque, toxins, and tartar from above and below the gum line (scaling) and to smooth rough spots on tooth roots (root planing). Antibiotics may be placed under the gums to control infection, reduce inflammation, and encourage gum tissue to heal. If serious pockets remain, surgical procedures such as flap surgery and tissue and bone grafts may be needed. Follow-up care includes a daily routine of brushing and flossing, along with managing health conditions that can impact dental health, like smoking or stress.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease treatment opelousas. It occurs when plaque and tartar irritate the gingiva (gum tissue) around the base of teeth. This irritation causes the gums to swell and become red. It is also possible for the gums to bleed when touched.
Untreated gingivitis leads to more serious diseases that result in tooth loss or bone damage this is called periodontitis. Gingivitis usually causes no pain in the early stages, so it is difficult to notice. It is best to visit your dentist regularly and use good oral hygiene.
The most common treatment for gingivitis is professional cleaning to remove the plaque and tartar from the surface of the teeth. Other treatments include antibiotic medications in the form of a mouthwash or gels placed inside the gum pockets to slowly kill bacteria and help gum tissue heal. Surgery may be needed if the gums are very inflamed and cannot heal on their own.
Periodontitis
In periodontitis, gum tissue is lost, exposing more of the roots and tooth structure. This exposes the tooth to increased damage from bacteria, which can lead to further bone and tissue loss if left untreated. This can ultimately result in loose teeth that may need to be removed by a dentist.
A deep cleaning is recommended to help control infection and to encourage gum tissue to regenerate and reattach to the teeth. This procedure is called scaling and root planing. It is performed one quadrant at a time while the area is numb. Tartar, plaque, and toxins are removed from above and below the gum disease treatment Opelousas line. In addition, the rough surfaces of the root are smoothed (planing). Medications and special medicated mouth rinses may also be prescribed.
Several alternative "at home" treatments are available, such as the use of antimicrobial mouthwashes and slender applicators which disrupt anaerobic bacterial colonies and reduce infection and inflammation. However, these treatments do not address calculus formation or provide a means of preventing future periodontitis.
Bone Loss
Dental bone loss affects the stability of your teeth and is often irreversible. It can lead to loose teeth, jawbone deterioration and problems with tooth replacements like dental implants. It can also cause changes to your facial structure and make chewing and speaking difficult. Fortunately, early detection of dental bone loss is key to prevention and treatment.
The primary causes of bone loss include periodontal disease, tooth loss and injuries. Periodontal disease destroys the tissue and bone that support your teeth, causing them to degrade over time. Tooth loss means that the surrounding bone no longer receives stimulation, causing it to shrink and erode over time. Injuries and trauma to the jawbone can also result in bone loss.
Preventing dental bone loss involves good oral hygiene, routine professional cleanings and regular checkups. A healthy diet rich in calcium and vitamin D can also help promote healthy teeth and bones. Treatment options for existing bone loss include bone grafts, periodontal surgery and orthodontic solutions to correct misalignment issues.