Save Your Teeth with This Treatment
Many people today have periodontal disease and know they need to get rid of it. Unfortunately, they either cannot afford the expensive treatments or are afraid that too much pain may be involved. Times have changed. There are now a couple of ways to reverse periodontal disease without having to have surgery.
Why Periodontal Disease Must Be Treated
When gingivitis becomes periodontitis, it is too late to get rid of it the easy way. This next stage of gum disease has changed its tactics and the bacteria have become much more aggressive.
Tartar has formed on your teeth and it has become the hiding place of the harmful bacteria. This means that you cannot get rid of it with a toothbrush and floss like you could do while it was just gingivitis.
Once the bacteria enter your gums, it triggers an immune system reaction. The inflammation will keep getting larger and spread. What many people do not know is that it will also start causing buildup in your blood vessels and organs. This can eventually lead to many diseases, which could include such health problems as cardiovascular disease, stroke, heart attack, cancer, diabetes, dementia, and many more.
As the inflammation spreads in your gums, it starts destroying tissue. Your gums will start to recede, it starts to destroy the ligaments that support your teeth, and it also starts destroying your jawbone. Your teeth may start to become loose, and may even fall out if you do not get treatment.
The Dental Exam
When you go to a dentist for an exam, a measuring tool will be inserted into the pockets that have formed on your gums. The greater the depth, the more damage there is to your jaw. A depth of 3 mm or less is considered healthy. Along with a dental x-ray to check for possible jawbone damage, this will allow the dentist to categorize the stage of gum disease that you have.
Two Treatments
When it comes to removing the periodontal bacteria without surgery, there are two procedures.
- Scaling and Root Planing
The non-surgical procedure called scaling and root planing (also called deep cleaning) involves pulling back the gum pockets and cleaning out the bacteria and inflammation. After it is completed, it enables the gums to heal and the pockets will shrink back to a healthier state. The dentist or periodontist will also likely prescribe antibiotics, or may actually insert it into the pockets to help prevent a resurgence of the harmful bacteria in the pockets.
Part of the procedure also involves smoothing the rough spots on the roots of your teeth. This helps to prevent the bacteria from taking a foothold so easily.
- Laser Treatment
Instead of having to do so much work by hand, periodontal treatment can be done faster with a laser. This is less intensive because all a periodontist needs to do is to insert very thin fiber optic cables into the pockets and the laser light will kill 99 percent of the bacteria. This is more effective than the manual method.
Periodontal laser treatment is considered to be non-surgical because a scalpel is not used during the procedure. The laser also seals the blood vessels and nerves, making it almost bloodless and pain-free. The light also promotes healing and destroys bacteria in the area that may cause a problem with healing.
Risk Factors for Gum Disease
Several things can increase your likelihood of getting gum disease. While some of these risk factors cannot be helped, such as hormonal changes in women, steps can be taken to watch for it, or to change some things in the way of habits.
- Smoking – It lowers your gums immune system.
- Diabetes – The uncontrolled sugar feeds the bacteria that cause gum disease.
- Medications – They may cause dry mouth, which enables the bacteria to thrive.
- Hormonal Changes – An increase in hormones can increase the risk.
- Genetics – Some genes make some people more susceptible.
- Age – It often starts between 30 and 40.
Ongoing Oral Care
Periodontitis is largely caused by a lack of proper oral care. It enables the bacteria to build up as plaque on the teeth, which then hardens to become tartar. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing daily is necessary to keep it away. Using an antibiotic mouthwash will also help to reduce harmful bacteria. Without developing good and regular dental habits, the disease will be likely to recur.
If you have periodontitis and want to reverse periodontal treatment, Dr. Kumar T. Vadivel, DDS, FDS RCS, MS MBA, a Board Certified Periodontist, can help you. He provides complete periodontal disease treatment if it has become advanced and can help you get your smile back in his Carrollton, Cedar Hill, Mocking bird/SMU , and Grapevine, TX offices. Most dental health insurance plans are accepted. For a free consultation or information about periodontal treatment, you can contact his ToothHQ office today at 214-731-0123
