Non-Surgical Periodontal Treatment
Taking care of your teeth with daily brushing and flossing, along with a regular schedule of cleanings and exams, can prevent a vast percentage of dental problems. But remember, some factors contribute to gum disease even when your personal habits are excellent.
How Does Periodontal Disease Begin?
Gingivitis (gingival/gum inflammation) is the mildest form of periodontal disease. It’s inflammation and sometimes infection, confined to the gums only, and has not yet reached the bone.
Gingivitis is a response by the gum tissue to ongoing attack by oral bacteria. Bacteria is always present in the mouth, and form colonies of plaque, a colorless, sticky film that coats teeth and gums. Their presence is normal, but can become destructive if left unchecked. This is why daily brushing and flossing are crucial, to keep this type of bacteria under control. The same is true for routine professional dental cleanings and exams by dental professionals.
Oral surfaces are reactive to this type of bacterial attack and fight back with an autoimmune response—inflammation. Inflammation causes the gum tissue to shrink away from the tooth, opening a space or pocket. Food debris and bacteria can collect in the pocket, potentially leading to infection of surrounding tissue and bone, which may cause future periodontal disease. When infection reaches below the gumline, the condition has progressed into a more serious stage known as periodontal disease. It is essential to identify and address gingivitis in its earliest stages to prevent further damage to your oral health.
Specific medical conditions including diabetes may put you at an even greater risk for periodontal disease. Personal habits may also contribute to periodontal disease. For example, if you have gingivitis and clench or grind your teeth, this ongoing damage may cause the gingivitis to worsen.
Signs Of Possible Gingivitis:
Gingivitis may not be painful, therefore many people are not aware that the condition is even present. But if you have any of the symptoms mentioned above, it is important to see your dentist as soon as possible for an evaluation and proper consultation.
Periodontal Treatment Process:
Our team at New Look Dental will begin the consultation process typically by discussing your symptoms, such as bleeding when you brush and floss. Then we will examine your mouth, measure the spaces or pockets around your teeth with a probe, and take an X-ray to ensure inflammation has not reached the bone. The X-ray also will identify any signs of decay or other distress.
Gum disease treatment consists primarily of a scaling, careful cleaning or debridement to remove all plaque, and any plaque that has hardened into tartar. Irrigation, meaning pulses of warm water mixed with antiseptic fluids, may also be used to flush out bacterial colonies. After the initial treatment we will recommend an at home routine to further help with keeping your teeth, gums and overall oral health intact.
To our valued patients: Please remember that everyone’s results will be different. You are unique, and so are your teeth. We look forward to consulting with you, and will provide our expertise in anticipating what procedures will be best to achieve your desired results.
Thank you! – New Look Dental, Inc.
