Do you understand the important roles your gums play in your oral health? Periodontal disease arises when you have an infection in your gums. Fortunately, early treatment can minimize the damage and prevent it from worsening.

 

Do you currently have gum disease? If you do, then you are painfully aware of the importance of gum health. This is especially true if you are starting to lose your teeth to the disease. You are probably looking for ways to avoid losing more teeth. Fortunately, you can prevent further damage to your gums and restore your smile with prompt treatment.

 

Stages of Periodontal Disease


 

This condition has two main stages, namely gingivitis and periodontitis. The first is less severe, typically given away by persistent bad breath, gums that bleed when you floss your teeth, and inflamed gums. Your gums may also appear slightly darker than normal.



On the other hand, periodontitis often stems from untreated gingivitis. During this stage of gum disease, your gums will start to pull away from your teeth. This will cause deep pockets to form in your gums, allowing bacteria to develop beneath your gumline. These bacteria will then begin to attack your teeth’s supporting structures.

 

During this advanced stage of periodontal disease, you will experience the same symptoms as gingivitis, combined with several new symptoms. You may notice pus between your teeth, receding gums, and changes in your bite. This disease may remain painless until its most advanced stage. When your teeth begin to loosen, you may experience pain. If you fail to seek treatment, you will start to lose your teeth.

 

Treatments


 

There are several surgical and non-surgical treatments for periodontal disease. Your dentist will recommend the best treatment based on your specific situation, including the severity of your condition. Some of the common treatments for gum disease include:

 

Pinhole Surgical Technique


 

This is one of the most effective treatment options for gum recession and gum disease. It is a minimally invasive procedure meant to manage your condition without the need for surgical stitches.

 

During the procedure, your oral surgeon or dentist will make a small opening in your gums. This will allow the dental professional to move your gum tissue downward and secure it. This will cover the exposed section of your tooth structure.

 

LANAP


 

With this type of treatment, you can visit your periodontist or dentist, get treatment, and resume your regular daily activities with little interruption to your routine. This involves the use of a laser to target and get rid of diseased gum tissue. Patients do not need to worry about scalpels and the pain associated with removing gum tissue. It is a minimally invasive treatment option with faster recovery times.

 

BIOLASE


 

Compared with traditional open flap surgery, this is a minimally invasive treatment for mild to severe gum disease. The procedure involves the administration of a local anesthetic and is effective on both hard and soft oral tissues. It also involves the use of laser energy to access, decontaminate, and remove diseased gum tissue, tartar on the root surfaces, and bone.

 

Other treatments for periodontal disease include:
 

  • Scaling

     

  • Antibiotics

     

  • Root planing

     

  • Bone grafting

     

  • Tissue grafting

     

  • Flap surgery

     

  • Guided tissue regeneration


     

To learn more about treatments for periodontal disease, visit Implant Dentistry Periodontics & Facial Rejuvenation at our offices in Tampa or Wesley Chapel, Florida. You can call 813-517-0100 or 813-973-7770 today to schedule an appointment.