Oral Health Link to Whole Body Health: A Blog

Oral Health Link to Whole Body Health: A Blog

Gum Disease: Understanding Your Treatment Options for Advanced Periodontitis

Duane Kelly

Gum disease is a progressive oral condition which is primarily caused by poor dental hygiene. In general, the problem begins with gingivitis, which occurs due to the accumulation of bacterial plaque in the mouth. This dental illness is characterised by symptoms such as gum bleeding, swelling and redness. Fortunately, the effects of the disease can be reversed through good oral hygiene and professional dental cleaning. 

On the other hand, if the gingivitis is not treated, it will progress into periodontitis. This condition occurs due to the toxins produced by the built-up plaque. Often, these toxins will cause damage to the gums and the supporting ligaments and bones. Periodontitis is not reversible like gingivitis. However, if you have been affected by this disease, there are multiple treatment options to consider for your restoration.

Scaling and Root Planing

The initial or first-line treatment for periodontitis is scaling and root planing. This technique is favoured because it is conservative and non-surgical, so the potential risks are low. In a typical treatment session, the dentist will use special tools to scrape away the plaque which has built up on the teeth and beneath the gums. Moreover, the expert will plane the roots, making them smoother. This process will reduce the probability of future bacterial accumulation. 

Pocket Reduction

When scaling and root planing therapy is completed, the gums which were loosened by periodontitis should heal and reattach to the teeth. However, if the disease has progressed further, the gum tissue will not reattach to the teeth. Moreover, there will be deep pockets around the teeth which can be difficult to clean. In this case, the dentist will recommend a pocket reduction or gum flap surgery. During treatment, the dentist will fold back the gum tissue and clean bacterial deposits from the underlying bone. This process will allow the gums to reattach to the bone and heal completely.

Gum Grafts

Periodontitis can cause severe damage to the gums, causing them to recede. When gum recession occurs, the tissue retracts away from the crown of the teeth. Over time, the roots of the teeth are exposed. As a result, you will experience increased teeth sensitivity, and the quality of the smile will be lower. If this is your case, your dentist might recommend gum grafts. This procedure involves obtaining tissue from another area, such as the palate, and using the harvested material to cover exposed roots.

If you are suffering from periodontitis, you should discuss all your treatment options with an experienced dentist for the best results. 


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About Me
Oral Health Link to Whole Body Health: A Blog

You may have heard that cavities and oral decay are linked to things like heart disease, and, in fact, your oral health affects your entire body. Hi! My name is Brenda, and I like to look at things holistically. Because of that, I created this blog. I plan for its posts to look at the link between dental issues and other health issues. I hope that the people who visit this blog learn a few tips about oral care as well as gaining a deeper understanding of why it's so important. Healthy smiles indicate a healthy body, and I hope this blog helps you achieve both!