Should You Be Concerned about Periodontal Therapy?
You care for your teeth and a fearful of cavities because of the discomfort they cause, needing fillings from a dentist. However, have you paid attention to your gums that have a vital role to play with your overall health? Do you even understand that your gums can affect the health of your teeth and your entire body? If you haven’t considered these factors, it is time you learned why you should be concerned about periodontal therapy if you need it.
Is Gum Disease a Significant Issue?
Gum disease starts as gingivitis, the earliest stage of periodontal disease. Gingivitis is treatable, leaving no lasting effects on your body if you dedicate yourself to practicing good oral hygiene and making a few lifestyle changes. It would be incredibly helpful if you avoid smoking and limit sugary foods.
When you leave gingivitis to progress into a severe condition called periodontitis, the disease can wreak havoc with your teeth. You begin experiencing gum recession caused by the bacteria in the plaque. The gums start pulling away from your teeth as the bacteria destroy the tissue. Erosion of the bone supporting your teeth is also a reality to result in the teeth falling out eventually. At this stage, the only option before you would be to seek periodontal therapy in Oshawa, ON.
The Causes of Periodontal Disease
Various causes exist for a periodontal disease affecting you. Some of the reasons include poor oral hygiene, tobacco use in any form, and your diet. Some factors like genetics, hormonal fluctuations during puberty or pregnancy, and chronic illnesses like cancer, diabetes, and medications are also reasons for gingivitis.
Many reasons leading to gum disease affecting you are not controllable, making it essential for you to adopt preventive measures against this condition, primarily if multiple risk factors affect you.
How to Identify Periodontal Disease?
The most common periodontal disease symptoms are indications you can look for and will become apparent once you are affected by this condition. The symptoms include lousy breath, bad taste in your mouth, bleeding from your gums when brushing and flossing, and receding gums if your situation has aggravated.
If you observe any of the symptoms described, it helps if you seek prompt periodontal disease treatment from the Oshawa dentist during the early stages. It is incredibly essential for you to visit your dentist once every six months for exams and cleanings to identify the first signs of periodontal disease and prevent it from progressing.
What Precisely Is Periodontal Therapy?
Your specific condition will determine the surgical and nonsurgical treatment provided to you by the Oshawa dentist. The treatments aim to restore the health of your teeth and gums while attempting to prevent tooth loss. The best option for you will depend on your specific situation, but dentists usually prefer minimally invasive procedures wherever possible.
Periodontal therapy can begin with nonsurgical treatments if you are affected by mild or moderate gum disease. In such cases, the dentist uses scaling and root planing to remove plaque from the surface of the tooth’s root beneath the gums. The surface of the root is also smoothed by the dentist to deny rough space for the bacteria to accumulate and to prevent future infections. An alternative method is to use a tray delivery system where custom-designed trays for your mouth are made and sent home with you to provide medication directly to your gums.
Surgical Options for Periodontal Therapy
Severe periodontitis requires surgical treatments for restoring the health and the appearance of your gums and the affected teeth. Gum grafts are performed in surgical treatments to protect the root of your tooth when gum recession is excessive. When performing a gum graft, the surgeon takes gums from a healthy part of your mouth to move it to the affected area. Another option is gum flap surgery, where incisions are made in your gums and folded back to clean the roots beneath thoroughly. If you have suffered significant irreversible damage, you may require dental implants to replace your teeth.
Gum disease affects over 50 percent of adults in the United States. Despite being incredibly common, the condition is easily preventable by maintaining proper oral hygiene and visiting dentists for routine exams and cleanings. If you are well informed and careful, you can prevent gum disease by recognizing the symptoms early and receiving treatment to have a beautiful and healthy smile throughout your life.