Most people do not think about gum disease until they are diagnosed by their dentist. Although basic oral hygiene and routine dental visits can help, rehabilitating your teeth and gums is often a more intricate process.
Aggressive Dental Care
Fortunately, people who have regular access to dental care are usually diagnosed with gum disease when it is in the earlier stages. Gingivitis typically involves redness and gum irritation, which may not be obvious to you, especially if it affects your back teeth. Your dentist will likely want you to schedule additional appointments for deep cleanings. During these procedures, the tooth surface is cleaned, including below the gum line, so any pockets that have formed can be reduced. If your gum disease is minimal, simply maintaining your deep cleanings, routine visits, and oral care might be enough to solve the problem. Also, changing aspects of your oral hygiene can help. You should ask your dentist about tools and specific products that are designed to be more effective and antimicrobial. In some cases, your dentist might recommend products that are by prescription.
Periodontal Treatments
When gum disease is more serious, your dentist will likely want you to see a specialist. A periodontist specializes in diseases of the gums and is typically better equipped to handle your situation. In addition to deep cleanings by your regular dentist, you may need specialized treatments, such as a gum rehabilitation program. When people have severe gum disease, treatment can involve procedures that remove diseased gum tissue in hopes of healthy gum tissue growing in its place. There may also be concerns regarding the state of your teeth, bone, and supporting structures. To properly treat severe gum disease, you may need extractions or bone grafts.
Significant Lifestyle Changes
There are many factors in your lifestyle that might influence your risk for developing gum disease. If you develop gum disease, especially severe instances, your dentist and other members of your dental care team might encourage you to make significant changes to promote healing and minimize recurrence. Gaining control over underlying medical conditions might be a concern. It is not uncommon for people with severe gum disease to have poorly-controlled diabetes or autoimmune conditions. Additionally, any drug use, from smoking to recreational drugs, may encourage the development of gum disease and make it impossible to heal, regardless of the care you receive.
When gum disease is caught in the early stages, a combination of dental care and good oral hygiene might be enough. Unfortunately, for many people, the problem can become severe and require significant rehabilitation to preserve their smile.
For more information, contact a clinic like Fuller Periodontics & Implant Dentistry.
Share20 September 2018
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