Winning the War on Periodontal Disease Requires Post-Treatment Vigilance
Preventing Periodontal Disease: Pasadena, Deer Park Texas
After several treatment sessions your periodontal (gum) disease should be under control. We halt the progression of the disease. However, to keep the bacterial infection from re-occurring you will have to remain vigilant.
Bacterial infection begins and thrives on a thin film of bacteria and food particles on tooth surfaces called plaque. The infection starts as gingivitis, which causes the gums to become red, inflamed and swollen. Left untreated gingivitis develops into periodontal disease. This is an advanced disease that spreads deeper into the gum tissues resulting in gum tissue and bone loss.
Periodontal disease: what is it?
Periodontal disease is an infection of the gum tissue and underlying bone. Periodontal disease is indicated by abnormal bleeding, edema, or changes in the color of the gums and teeth. Ignoring these symptoms can eventually result in expensive and invasive surgeries. Neglect, smoking and diabetes are the three largest risk factors.
To treat this bacterial infection, your hygienist must remove all the plaque and calculus (tartar) that is above and below the gum line with a procedure called Scaling and Root Planing. It is ideal to stop the disease in its earliest stages when plaque can be removed with hand instruments or ultrasonic equipment. When the
Scaling and Root Planing can successfully stop and even reverse gum disease’s effects — but it will not alter your susceptibility for the disease. Constant attentiveness to your oral health is the best way to significantly reduce your risk of another infection. Thus, the prevention of the initial stages of gum disease from forming is the overall goal.
Using a high quality electric toothbrush three times a day and daily flossing are habits your need for form. You, the patient, see yourself every single day. Effective home care is vital to preventing dental problems. Whereas, your dental office only sees you usually twice a year. These dental visits with your Hygienists are Periodontal Maintenance visits. These appointments are more advanced then the traditional “healthy teeth cleaning appointments.” More work is done verifying that that your periodontal disease is not trying to resurface.
Treating Periodontal Disease for Healthy Gums and Teeth
Periodontal disease, also called gum disease, is a common oral health problem affecting nearly half of adults over 30. If left untreated, it can lead to pain, tooth loss, and other complications. But with prompt professional treatment, the damage can be stopped and reversed.
Caused by plaque buildup that triggers inflammation and infection in the gums and bone, periodontal disease progresses through stages from gingivitis to advanced periodontitis. Early treatment is key before extensive tissue and bone loss occur.
Initial periodontal therapy includes:
– Professional dental cleaning to remove plaque and tartar above and below the gumline. Thorough scaling and root planing clean even deep periodontal pockets.
– Antimicrobial rinses like chlorhexidine to control bacteria and reduce inflammation between appointments.
– Antibiotic medication in some moderate-advanced cases to resolve infection.
– Laser treatments to remove diseased gum tissue and enhance healing.
– Oral probiotics to rebalance the mouth’s microflora.
– Ongoing periodontal maintenance and monitoring every 3-4 months.
If pockets and gum recession remain after initial therapy, corrective surgery may be recommended such as flap surgery, bone and tissue grafts, and laser decontamination.
Quitting smoking and improving diabetes control are imperative for periodontal health. With diligent daily oral hygiene and consistent professional treatment, periodontitis can be overcome. Healthy gums and teeth can be maintained long-term.
The key is early intervention, so see your dentist promptly if you notice any symptoms of gum recession, loose teeth, persistent bad breath, or other signs. Treating gum disease successfully requires a partnership between you and your dental team.
Understanding Scaling and Root Planing: Eliminating Periodontal Disease
Scaling and root planing is a highly effective deep cleaning procedure used to treat periodontal (gum) disease, a common condition that affects the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to serious complications, including tooth loss. Scaling and root planing helps to remove the harmful bacteria and tartar that cause periodontal disease, allowing the gums to heal and reattach to the teeth.
What is Scaling and Root Planing?
Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical procedure typically performed in two steps:
- Scaling: During the scaling portion of the treatment, your dentist or dental hygienist will remove plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) from the surfaces of your teeth, particularly below the gum line, where regular brushing and flossing cannot reach. This helps eliminate the bacterial buildup that causes inflammation and gum disease.
- Root Planing: After scaling, the dentist smooths out the rough surfaces of the tooth roots. This process, known as root planing, helps the gums reattach to the teeth and prevents bacteria from easily re-colonizing. By creating a clean, smooth surface, root planing promotes healthy healing and reduces the depth of periodontal pockets (the spaces that form between the teeth and gums due to gum disease).
How Scaling and Root Planing Eliminates Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease starts with the buildup of plaque and bacteria along the gum line, leading to gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease. If untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, where the infection spreads deeper into the gums and supporting bone. This results in gum recession, bone loss, and eventually tooth loss.
Scaling and root planing removes the plaque, tartar, and bacteria causing the infection, stopping the disease from progressing. Once the harmful bacteria are removed and the roots are smooth, the gums can heal, reducing inflammation and allowing the gums to reattach to the teeth.
Benefits of Scaling and Root Planing
- Prevents tooth loss: By treating periodontal disease early, scaling and root planing help protect the gums and bone that support your teeth, preventing tooth loss.
- Improves gum health: The procedure reduces inflammation, stops bleeding gums, and promotes healthy tissue regeneration.
- Eliminates bad breath: Removing bacteria and plaque buildup helps eliminate bad breath often caused by gum disease.
Scaling and root planing is an essential treatment for patients with periodontal disease. By thoroughly cleaning below the gum line and smoothing the roots of the teeth, it helps to eliminate the infection, allowing the gums to heal and reattach to the teeth. This non-surgical procedure is a critical step in preventing tooth loss and maintaining healthy gums. If you’re experiencing symptoms of gum disease, such as swollen or bleeding gums, contact Michael Nugent DDS in Pasadena and Deer Park, Texas for an evaluation and treatment options.
If you need to get your dental health back in order, call our office at 713-941-8261.
Or simply come visit us at 3421 Burke Rd STE A, Pasadena, Texas.