Prevention and Treatment of Gum Disease
Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, is a condition involving the inflammation and infection of the gum tissues. It includes stages such as gingivitis and periodontitis and stands as the leading cause of tooth loss among adults.
Your Preventive Treatment May Include:
- Diagnosis
- Professional Cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing)
Diagnosis
Diagnosing periodontal disease requires a thorough assessment, including visual inspection of the gums, measuring periodontal pocket depths, and taking X-rays to evaluate bone loss. Early diagnosis is crucial to prevent irreversible damage and tooth loss, as periodontal disease can progress if untreated and impact overall health, linking to conditions like cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
Professional Cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing)
Periodontal disease is very treatable, but it cannot be fully cured. If you are diagnosed with periodontal disease, we may recommend a treatment called “deep cleaning,” also known as scaling and root planing.
During this treatment, our dental hygienist or dentist may use a topical or local numbing agent to ensure your comfort. The procedure involves gently removing plaque, bacteria, and tartar attached to the root structure and within the deeper periodontal pockets. This thorough cleaning helps prevent further progression of gum disease by promoting healthy tissue reattachment and reducing pockets around teeth where bacteria thrive.
The goal of the procedure is to minimize bleeding and inflammation caused by bacteria and tartar while helping to prevent further bone loss and tissue fiber destruction.
