4 Types Of Treatments For Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is a type of disease that affects your gums. Gingivitis and periodontitis are two types of periodontal disease. If gum disease isn't taken seriously and treated appropriately, it can lead to permanent negative changes in your mouth. Fortunately, your dentist can offer a host of treatments to restore your gum health. Here is a list of treatments that can help patients recover from periodontal disease:

1. Root Planing

Root planing is one of the most common treatments for periodontal disease. Root planing is minimally invasive and can be performed using only local anesthesia. The technique that dentists use during root planing is similar to the one used to scrape tartar from the enamel of patients' teeth during scaling procedures. During root planing treatment, dentists also scale the area directly under a patient's gums. This type of treatment can remove plaque and tartar buildup below the gum line, which can reduce periodontal disease.

2. Antibiotics 

Periodontal disease is a type of infection that affects gum tissue. Mechanical solutions, such as root planing, are an important treatment strategy, but sometimes additional methods of treatment are also necessary. If you're diagnosed with periodontal disease, your dentist may prescribe a course of antibiotics for you to take. Antibiotics can clear up active infections, which will encourage your gum tissue to heal. You should always take all the antibiotics that you're prescribed to avoid encouraging antibiotic-resistant bacteria to proliferate.

3. Flap Surgery

Flap surgery is a treatment that is appropriate for people with severe periodontitis. If your gum disease cannot be remedied by root planing alone, your dentist will recommend flap surgery for more thorough eradication of bacteria and infection below your gum line. During flap surgery, your gums will be carefully cut and lifted away from the roots of your teeth. Your dentist will then be able to thoroughly clean your exposed teeth roots. Flap surgery can be performed using local or general anesthesia. While you won't feel any pain during the surgery itself, you will likely experience some soreness while your mouth heals.

4. Tissue And Bone Grafts

Advanced periodontal disease can cause permanent damage to your gums and jawbone. Gum tissue and bone tissue can erode due to periodontitis, which can cause tooth loss and issues with chewing and swallowing. If you've experienced tissue or bone erosion, your dentist may recommend oral surgery. Soft tissue grafts and bone grafts can be used to restore your mouth.