Seniors with beautiful smiles gum disease treatment

Periodontal Therapy

Treatment For Gum Disease

According to the CDC, 42.7% of adults aged 30 years and older and 70.1% of adults 65 years or older in the United States have some form of periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, that can benefit from periodontal therapy. Many patients may not realize that they have gum disease, as early signs and symptoms can easily go unnoticed. However, it is important to catch gum inflammation early on—left untreated, it can lead to infection and tooth loss.

While there is no definitive cure for this disease, prevention and treatment with periodontal therapy can help to keep the disease from progressing. At Stewart Dental Group, we offer several periodontal therapy options to keep our patients’ smiles as healthy as possible.

What Is Periodontal Disease?

Also known as gum disease, this condition causes swelling, inflammation and infection in the gum tissue. When the teeth and gums are not properly cleaned, it leads to a buildup of bacteria and plaque. This plaque can eventually harden to tartar, or calculus. This tartar can cover the teeth and extend below the gum line, and can only be removed
by a dental professional.

The first phase of this disease is gingivitis, which causes the gums to become swollen and red, and bleed easily, especially when brushing and flossing. During this stage, the disease can be reversed by practicing excellent oral hygiene. However, once the disease progresses past the gingivitis stage, it is no longer curable—it can only be managed to prevent further damage to the teeth and gums.

The later stage of this disease is called periodontitis. Periodontitis causes the gums to recede and pull away from the teeth and eventually, if left untreated, leads to bone and tooth loss.

Causes And Risk Factors Of Periodontal Disease

The main cause of this disease is poor oral hygiene, which allows tartar to form underneath the gum line and infect the gum tissues. Other causes and risk factors include:

  • Misaligned teeth that make it difficult to properly clean the teeth

  • Certain medications

  • Smoking and tobacco use

  • Chronic stress and anxiety

  • Diabetes, heart disease and other chronic conditions

  • Genetic predispositions

  • Bruxism (teeth grinding)

While patients of all ages can be affected by this disease, it is more common in adults than in children, and is more common in men than in women.

Symptoms Of Periodontal Disease

Many early symptoms of this disease go unnoticed, which is why it is so important to see your dentist every 6 months for a dental checkup and cleaning. The earlier this disease is caught, the more effective periodontal therapy treatment can be. Common symptoms include:

  • Gums that bleed when brushing and flossing

  • Swollen and inflamed gums

  • Bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth

  • Discomfort when brushing, flossing or chewing

  • Gum recession (or gums that have pulled from the teeth)

  • Loose teeth

Prevention And Treatment For Periodontal Disease with Periodontal Therapy

The best way to avoid gum disease is to brush your teeth for at least two minutes, twice a day, floss between the teeth and under the gum line daily, use mouthwash and visit your dentist twice a year for dental cleanings and checkups. If your dentist has diagnosed you with this disease, there are a few available periodontal therapy options based on your unique needs. These include:

Antibiotics can be used to treat more minor infections of the gums.

This treatment option has two parts. Your dentist will first remove tartar buildup underneath the gum line, also known as scaling. Then, during root planing, they will smooth the tooth root so that the gums can more easily reattach themselves to the tooth.

Used in more severe cases of gum recession, your dentist will collect healthy gum tissue from another area of the mouth and surgically place it where gum tissue may be missing. This helps to protect tooth roots that may have been exposed by gum recession and prevent bone loss.

During this procedure, your dentist will lift the gums in order to access the deeper gum pockets and remove tartar buildup.

Periodontal therapy

Periodontal Therapy FAQ

Periodontal therapy, also known as gum therapy, is a dental treatment designed to manage and treat gum diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis. You might need gum therapy if you have symptoms like bleeding gums, persistent bad breath or loose teeth. It’s important to address gum issues promptly to prevent more severe oral health problems.

Common signs of gum disease include red, swollen gums, bleeding when brushing or flossing, persistent bad breath and gum recession. If you notice any of these symptoms or have concerns about your gum health, schedule an appointment with Dr. Melissa Stewart. Early detection and intervention are key to successful gum therapy.

Gum therapy typically involves a series of treatments, including deep cleaning procedures like scaling and root planing. During these procedures, our skilled dental professionals will remove plaque, tartar and bacteria from below the gum line and smooth the tooth roots to promote gum healing. Depending on the severity of your condition, you may require multiple appointments. Dr. Stewart will discuss the details and provide you with personalized care instructions.

While discomfort during and after gum therapy is possible, it’s usually manageable with local anesthesia and over-the-counter pain relievers. After treatment, you may experience some gum sensitivity and mild swelling, which should subside within a few days. It’s crucial to follow our post-treatment care instructions, including proper oral hygiene practices and any prescribed medications, to ensure a smooth recovery and maintain gum health.

Yes, it can often save teeth affected by severe gum disease, such as periodontitis. By addressing the underlying infection and inflammation, these treatments can halt the progression of the disease and promote gum and bone tissue healing. However, early intervention is critical, as advanced cases may require more extensive treatments or surgical options. Regular dental check-ups can help catch gum disease in its early stages, increasing the likelihood of successful treatment.