Gum Diseases! Are They Incurable?
Are gingivitis and periodontitis incurable conditions? Does the patient have to put up with them forever? How to treat gum diseases? These are some of the most frequent questions our dentists at Syndal Dentistry receive. If you are worried about the same thing, we have an answer.
However, before we discuss gum diseases in depth, we want you to know – What is gum disease? What causes it? And what is periodontal therapy that most dentists in Mount Waverley recommend?
What are Gum Diseases, and What Causes Them?
There are a lot of beneficial bacteria in a healthy mouth, and saliva easily combats the majority of them and maintains balance. However, due to poor oral hygiene, smoking, tobacco use, a lack of saliva secretion, genetics, hormone changes, medical conditions, and other factors, the bacteria may grow exponentially, leading to plaque build-up and gum infection.
If the condition is left untreated, it may progress to gingivitis, or a more severe gum infection, periodontitis (periodontal disease).
Now that you know what gum disease is, and what causes them, let us now understand some potential symptoms of gum disease.
What are the Symptoms of Periodontal Disease?
- Purplish or reddish gums
- Swollen gums
- Bleeding gums
- Tender gums
- Pus formation around the gum line
- Pain when eating food.
- Bad breath
- Tooth loss
- Loose teeth
- Gum recession (when your gums pull away from your teeth)
- Changes in the way your teeth fit together.
- New gaps or spaces between your teeth
What is Periodontal Therapy?
If the dentist at our Mount Waverley practice diagnoses gum disease, they may suggest one or more treatment options depending on the severity of the condition. At Syndal Dentistry, we offer our patients with both non-surgical and surgical treatment options for treating periodontitis.
Non-surgical Periodontitis Treatments
The dentists would suggest non-surgical treatment options for patients suffering from mild periodontitis. The treatment includes:
- Antibiotics: The dentist would prescribe oral or topical antibiotics to control the bacterial infection.
- Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Dental Cleaning): The dentist will recommend this for removing the plaque build-up (tartar) and bacteria from the tooth that contributes to inflammation and delay the healing process.
Surgical periodontitis treatments
If your periodontitis is moderate to severe, surgical intervention is necessary. Here is a detailed account of everything that a surgical procedure comprises.
- Flap Surgery – Periodontists use flap surgery, also known as gingival flap surgery, to treat periodontitis. During this procedure, the periodontist separates the gums from the teeth and folded back temporarily. This allows them to reach the root of the tooth and the bone, and treat periodontal disease.
- Dental Bone Grafts – A bone graft may be advised by the dentist or periodontist if you have experienced significant bone loss. In the procedure, a graft (bone graft) material would be applied to the areas where you have significantly lost bone tissue. The goal of this procedure is to reduce the risk of further tooth loss and infection.
- Gum Grafts: To treat gingival recession, the dentist may advise a gum graft. In the procedure, they will suture a tissue graft into place around the affected teeth. The aim of this treatment is to improve the smile appearance and reduce the risk of further recession.
- Guided Tissue Regeneration: The dentist or periodontist will insert a special biocompatible membrane between your tooth and the existing bone during this procedure. This membrane promotes the growth of new bone by preventing invasive tissue from returning to the area.
Want To Know More About Gum Diseases and Treatment Options? Contact Us!
At Syndal Dentistry, we aim to provide safe and painless treatment options to our patients. So, if you are suffering from gum disease, visit our practice at Mount Waverley, and get a consultation for the most effective periodontal therapy that suits your case. Our Mount Waverley practice is dedicated to reliable and high-quality dentistry. Book an appointment with us today!