Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, is a serious infection of the gums that damages the soft tissue and, if left untreated, can destroy the bone that supports your teeth. It is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. The disease is typically caused by the bacteria in dental plaque, a sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth. If plaque is not removed, it can harden and turn into tartar (calculus), which is much harder to remove.
There are two stages of periodontal disease: gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is the milder form and is reversible with good oral hygiene and professional treatment. If not treated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, which is more severe and can lead to tooth loss and other health problems.
Can A Dentist Treat Periodontal Disease?
Treatment may be done by a dentist or a periodontist. A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in gum disease. A dental hygienist may work with your dentist or periodontist as part of your treatment plan.
SEE ALSO: How Long Does It Take for Periodontal Disease to Heal?
The Role of Dentists in Treating Periodontal Disease
Dentists play a crucial role in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease. They are trained to recognize the signs and symptoms of the disease and can provide a range of treatments depending on the severity of the condition.
Here’s how dentists can help treat periodontal disease:
Diagnosis
The first step in treating periodontal disease is a thorough dental examination. The dentist will review your medical history to identify any factors that may contribute to the disease, such as smoking or diabetes. They will then conduct a clinical examination, which may include:
Measuring the depth of the pockets around your teeth with a periodontal probe
Checking for signs of inflammation or bleeding in the gums
Assessing the level of gum recession
Taking dental X-rays to evaluate the health of the bones supporting the teeth
Non-Surgical Treatments
For early-stage periodontal disease (gingivitis), non-surgical treatments are often sufficient. These may include:
Professional Dental Cleaning: The dentist or dental hygienist will remove the plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line. This is typically done during a routine dental check-up. If gingivitis is diagnosed, more frequent cleanings may be recommended.
Scaling and Root Planing: This is a deep-cleaning, non-surgical procedure done under local anesthesia. Scaling involves scraping off the tartar from above and below the gum line. Root planing smooths out the rough spots on the root surfaces to remove bacteria and provide a clean surface for the gums to reattach to the teeth.
Surgical Treatments
If the periodontal disease has progressed to periodontitis, more extensive treatment may be necessary. Surgical options include:
Flap Surgery (Pocket Reduction Surgery): In this procedure, the gums are lifted back, and the tartar is removed. In some cases, irregular surfaces of the damaged bone are smoothed. The gums are then placed back so that the tissue fits snugly around the tooth. This reduces the size of the pocket, decreasing the areas where bacteria can grow.
Bone Grafts: This involves using fragments of your own bone, synthetic bone, or donated bone to replace bone destroyed by periodontitis. The grafts serve as a platform for the regrowth of bone, which restores the stability of teeth.
Soft Tissue Grafts: This procedure reinforces thin gums or fills in places where gums have receded. Grafted tissue, most often taken from the roof of the mouth, is stitched in place, adding tissue to the affected area.
Guided Tissue Regeneration: Performed when the bone supporting your teeth has been destroyed, this technique stimulates bone and gum tissue growth. A small piece of mesh-like fabric is inserted between the bone and gum tissue to keep the tissue from growing into the area where the bone should be, allowing the bone and connective tissue to regrow to better support the teeth.
Bone Surgery: This procedure smooths shallow craters in the bone due to moderate to advanced bone loss. The bone around the tooth is reshaped to decrease the craters. This makes it harder for bacteria to collect and grow.
Medications
In addition to these treatments, medications may also be used to help control the bacterial infection. These can include:
Antimicrobial mouth rinses: Containing chlorhexidine, these rinses are used to control bacteria when treating gum disease and after surgery.
Antiseptic chips or gels: These small pieces of gelatin filled with an antiseptic are placed in the pockets after scaling and root planing.
Antibiotic microspheres: Tiny, round particles that contain the antibiotic minocycline can be placed in pockets after scaling and root planing.
Enzyme suppressants: Medications like low-dose doxycycline can help to keep destructive enzymes in check and slow the progression of periodontitis.
Preventing Periodontal Disease
Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some tips to help prevent periodontal disease:
Maintain good oral hygiene: Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily to remove plaque from between your teeth and under the gum line.
Regular dental check-ups: Visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and check-ups. Your dentist can remove any plaque and tartar that you might have missed.
Quit smoking: Smoking is a significant risk factor for periodontal disease. Quitting can improve your oral health and overall health.
Eat a balanced diet: Proper nutrition is important for your overall health and can help maintain healthy gums and teeth.
Manage underlying health conditions: Conditions like diabetes can increase the risk of periodontal disease. Managing these conditions can help reduce your risk.
Conclusion
Periodontal disease is a serious condition that requires prompt and effective treatment. Dentists are well-equipped to diagnose and treat all stages of periodontal disease. From non-surgical treatments like scaling and root planing to surgical procedures like flap surgery and bone grafts, dentists have a variety of tools at their disposal to help manage and treat this condition.
Regular dental visits and good oral hygiene practices are essential in preventing periodontal disease. If you suspect you have symptoms of periodontal disease, do not delay in seeking professional dental care. Early diagnosis and treatment can help preserve your oral health and prevent more serious complications.
By working closely with your dentist and following their recommended treatment plan, you can successfully manage periodontal disease and maintain a healthy, beautiful smile.