If your gums bleed when you brush or floss, this is an early sign of gum inflammation. Fortunately, there are several effective gum treatments that can address your gum problems at an early stage, and prevent further damage.
Gum treatments Campbell provided by highly-skilled periodontists include teeth cleanings, scaling, root planing, and gum surgeries.
Importance of gum treatments
Gum treatments are a group of nonsurgical and surgical procedures that are performed to eliminate gum disease before it worsens.
Plaque and oral bacteria are the prime suspects that lead to gum diseases, in addition to poor oral habits. Gum diseases can lead to debilitating effects such as:
- Bleeding
- Receding gums
- Gingival pockets
- Tooth mobility
- Bone deterioration
- Tooth loss
- Other physical health problems such as diabetes and heart disease
Types of effective gum treatments
There is a cascade of gum treatments offered by periodontists according to your individual oral health needs. These include:
Professional cleanings
- This procedure is also known as gum therapy which involves eliminating plaque, bacteria, and food debris between your teeth and around your gum line.
- This is considered the first-line treatment as well as a preventive measure to avoid further deterioration.
Scaling and root planing
- This procedure is the same as cleaning but also involves plaque and calculus removal from below the gum line (subgingival).
- After the completion of the procedure, the tooth roots are cleaned to smoothen them. This facilitates reattachment of the receding gums to your teeth.
Prescription medications
- Medications are prescribed in combination with other gum treatments to prevent or treat infections.
- These include:
- Oral antibiotics
- Topical antibiotics in the form of gels
- Enzyme suppressants
- Antibiotic microspheres
Flap surgery
- Periodontal surgery is recommended when other gum treatments fail to provide relief.
- During a flap surgery, your dentist will lift your gums to expose the tooth roots. The buildup plaque and calculus are removed and the flap is closed.
- The procedure is completed by suturing the gum flap tightly around the edges of your teeth.
Bone grafts
- Untreated gum disease can spread to the underlying bone which can lead to bone decay.
- For such cases, your dentist will recommend bone grafting that involves the insertion of synthetic bone material inside your jaw.
- Over a period of time, this graft material will encourage the formation of new bone which is healthier, thus restoring the strength and integrity of your jaw.
Summary
It is essential to maintain your gums to optimal health to safeguard the integrity of your oral cavity. Thus, investing in gum treatments can preserve your smile and physical health in the long run.