How Do I Get My Oral Health Back When I Have Periodontal Disease?

 Did you know that more than half of Americans over the age of 30 have advanced gum disease? If left untreated, the unfortunate outcome is often tooth loss. The good news is that there are many successful treatment options for periodontal disease!
From Gingivitis to Periodontitis
The first stage of gum disease is called gingivitis, which results from bacterial plaque left sitting on teeth. If addressed in the early stages, gingivitis is easily reversible. Brushing at least twice a day and flossing daily, along with scheduling your professional cleaning at our dental office, is usually all it takes to treat gingivitis.
If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to a more serious condition called periodontitis, eventually leading to pockets developing between your gums and teeth. Periodontitis can affect your gum tissue, along with the bones and ligaments that support your teeth, potentially leading to tooth loss.
What Are the Treatments for Periodontal Disease?
The first step in treating periodontitis is a nonsurgical treatment known as scaling and root planning. This procedure involves scraping off the tarter that has built up on your teeth above and below your gum line. Next, we will smooth out rough spots on your tooth roots, making it more difficult for plaque buildup and for bacteria to collect. Your gums should heal and reattach to the healthy, clean surfaces of your teeth.
If the gum inflammation and pockets persist, we may recommend a periodontal pocket reduction or flap surgery. During this procedure, we remove bacteria in the pockets that have formed alongside your teeth, and smooth areas of damaged bone to allow the gum tissue to reattach to healthy bone.
In severe cases of periodontitis, you may need bone or tissue grafts to replace the affected tissue. You may also require a procedure called guided tissue regeneration, in which a small piece of mesh is placed between your jaw bone and gums to allow the bones and tissue to regrow.
Periodontal Maintenance
After periodontal treatment, you will need meticulous homecare to keep the disease from recurring. Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily. We may recommend prescription-strength antimicrobial mouthwash to help reduce bacteria in areas of your mouth that are hard to reach. We will also likely recommend more frequent checkups and cleaning appointments to ensure that your gums stay healthy.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
Contact Dr. May Conte D.D.S. in the Valencia area to learn more about maintaining your oral health. We are firm believers that the best treatment is prevention, so we encourage you to keep up with your oral hygiene practices at home, as well as scheduling your dental checkups and cleanings twice a year. We are here to help you enjoy a healthy smile for a lifetime!
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call the office at 661-505-2926. We are located at 25385 Wayne Mills Place in Valencia. You may also visit www.maycontedds.com.