Gum disease affects millions of Americans: By some estimates, more than half the adult population has gum disease. Gum disease initially starts as gingivitis and can progress to periodontitis. If this diagnosis is left untreated, its progression can lead to tooth loss.
Gingivitis: Gingivitis is the most common type of gum disease. It causes inflammation in gums due to prolonged plaque buildup from bacteria. However, if it is detected and treated early enough, then it will not cause major damage to your gums or mouth.
Periodontitis: Periodontitis mainly affects the soft tissue of your teeth and can cause pockets to form there, which then become infected with bacteria or plaque buildup-- resulting in tooth loss. It is essential to treat periodontitis as early as possible to prevent tooth loss.
Dr. Sonal Deshpande of Brilliant Smiles of North Brunswick, Central NJ, has listed down the most common symptoms of gum diseases:
Swelling or redness on the gums
Bleeding gums
Chronic bad breath
Receding gums
Formation of pockets between teeth and gums
Painful chewing
Loose teeth
Formation of pus between teeth and gums
Gum diseases can be treated in two ways: non-surgically and surgically. The treatment method depends on the level of infection in each unique case. In most cases, non-surgical methods are enough to clean the gum infection. Surgical methods are only chosen when the surrounding tissue and bone have been greatly damaged.
Non-surgical methods to treat gum disease also involve the use of different antiseptic mouthwashes, antiseptic chips which are inserted into the gum pockets after root planing, and oral antiseptics in order to treat gum diseases.
Professional Teeth Cleaning:
Professional teeth cleaning is a procedure that helps to remove all the plaque and tartar build-up which might accumulate over time on the teeth. This helps counteract gum disease.
Scaling And Root Planing: Scaling and root planing is the process of removing accumulated tartar deep below the gums and smoothening the rough surfaces so that gums can better adhere to the teeth.
Non-surgical methods to treat gum disease also involve the use of different antiseptic mouthwashes, antiseptic chips which are inserted into the gum pockets after root planing, and oral antiseptics in order to treat gum diseases.
Flap Surgery: In flap surgery for gum disease, the gums are lifted to remove the tartar. Then the damaged bones are smoothened and the gums are snugly fit. This ensures that there is no space for the infection to return.
Guided Tissue Regeneration: In guided tissue regeneration, a small piece of mesh-like fabric is placed between the gum tissue and bone. This prevents the gum tissue from growing in the place where the bone should be and encourages the bone and connective tissue to regrow and better support the teeth. This procedure is usually done in combination with flap surgery.
Soft Tissue: In this method, tissue is grafted from the roof of the mouth and stitched into the places where the gums have receded.
Bone Grafts: In this procedure, fragments of bone are grafted and used to replace the bone that was damaged from infection. The grafted bone becomes a foundation for bone regrowth.
Regular flossing and dental cleanings are essential to prevent and treat gum disease. At your cleaning appointment,
Dr. Sonal Deshpande will assess the health of your gums and provide periodontal care.
Give us a call at 732-940-0222 or request an appointment to get your teeth professionally cleaned today and prevent gum disease.
When treating gum diseases, the methods used vary greatly. This means that insurance coverage will also differ depending on which approach is taken. It's important to get into contact with a dentist in order for them to analyze what kind of treatment would be most beneficial for your situation!
Dr. Sonal Deshpande
DDS
Dr. Sonal Deshpande is a gentle, caring dentist who uses the most advanced materials and procedures available. She practices comfortable, caring dentistry focused on establishing optimal oral health, with a strong emphasis on getting to know each patient. In addition to her technical proficiency, Dr. Sonal Deshpande is a careful listener and will explain beforehand which treatment is best for your individual needs.
Read More