Gum Disease Treatment Arana Hills
Caring for and treating the gums and other supportive structures.
Periodontics is a specialised field of dentistry focused on the gums and supporting structures like the jawbone. Healthy gums are vital for strong teeth, and gum problems can put your whole smile at risk.
During routine check-ups, your dentist examines your gums as closely as your teeth. Some issues can be managed with good hygiene, others treated in the clinic, and more complex cases may be referred to a periodontist. Periodontics helps protect your oral health and prevent problems before they arise.
What is periodontics?
Periodontal diseases are infections of the gums that can destroy the bone around your teeth. It is caused by dental plaque, a sticky film of food debris, bacteria, and saliva. Plaque constantly forms on your teeth, and if it is not removed, it will harden into tartar (calculus). Tartar can only be removed by a professional cleaning.
If plaque and tartar are not removed, they will begin to destroy the gums and bone. This process is called periodontitis. Severe gum disease can lead to tooth loss, and has also been linked to other serious health problems such as stroke, diabetes, and heart disease. The problem is that the bacteria associated with periodontal disease can use your gum tissue to enter your bloodstream and put pressure on your immune system.
Symptoms of periodontal disease
The early stage of periodontal disease is called gingivitis. Gingivitis does not usually cause pain, but there are some symptoms that may be present, including:
Bleeding gums
Red, swollen, or tender gums
Bad breath
Gums that pull away from the teeth
If you have any of these symptoms, it is important to see a dentist or periodontist right away. Gingivitis can be reversed with professional cleaning and good oral hygiene at home.
If gingivitis is not treated, it can progress to periodontitis. Periodontitis is advanced periodontal disease, and can cause the following symptoms:
- Gums that are red, swollen, and tender
- Gums that bleed easily
- Bad breath
- Loose teeth
- Sensitive teeth
- Receding gums
- Deep pockets between the teeth and gums
- eventually tooth loss.
Treatment
The first step in treating periodontal disease is to remove the plaque and tartar from your teeth. This can be done by a dentist or dental hygienist. Scaling means scraping off the plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line. Root planning gets rid of plaque and tartar from the roots of the teeth.
After your teeth have been cleaned, your dentist or periodontist will check to see if the pockets between your teeth and gums have gotten deeper. If they have, you may need to have surgery to clean them out.
In some cases, periodontal disease can be treated with antibiotics. These can be taken by mouth or placed directly on the gums.
Prevention
Periodontal disease is preventable. You can help prevent periodontal disease by being aware of the risk factors:
- Brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste
- Cleaning between your teeth every day with floss or another interdental cleaner
- Eating a balanced diet and limiting sugary snacks
- Seeing your dentist or periodontist regularly for professional cleanings and checkups
If you have periodontal disease, it is important to keep up with your oral hygiene at home and to see your dentist or periodontist regularly. With proper treatment, you can keep your teeth and gums healthy.
What to expect from your periodontal appointment
If you suffer from gingivitis and want to reduce your infector, or you have periodontitis and you want to ensure you can manage your symptoms, you should consider speaking to a qualified Periodontist. By speaking to a periodontist early, you can significantly improve and manage your oral health.
Frequently asked questions
Periodontitis is the advanced form of gingivitis, a disease where your gums become infected. Gingivitis and periodontitis come from poor oral health, such as not brushing and flossing well or often enough, and consuming a diet high in sugary foods and drinks.
While gingivitis can be reversed with good oral health and a professional clean from your dental hygienist, periodontitis cannot be reversed. Once the disease has reached this stage, it becomes about managing the symptoms and stopping it from getting worse.
Unfortunately, there is no treatment or medication that can ‘heal’ periodontal disease. Once you have it, your periodontist will help you to manage the symptoms through measures such as regular cleanings and flap surgery.
The best treatment for gum infection is good oral hygiene at home, including brushing and flossing, and avoiding a diet high in sugary foods and drinks. It is also important to visit your dentist for a professional cleaning and further treatment options if needed.
A Periodontist is a specialist kind of dentist who focuses solely on the periodontal area of the mouth - the gums and jawbone beneath the gums. They perform a variety of treatments, from simple procedures such as removing plaque from teeth to implanting false teeth and doing gum grafts.
Their job is to ensure your gums are healthy and well enough to support your teeth and, therefore, your oral health overall.
Schedule your appointment today
Don’t let gum disease steal your smile.
With expert periodontal care at DentArana, you can protect your gums, preserve your teeth, and restore confidence in your oral health. Book your appointment today and take the first step toward healthier gums.