Periodontal treatment without surgery

Gum disease, or gingivitis, refers to the infection of the gums by bacteria. This can lead to swollen or bleeding gums. If the condition is allowed to spread, it can lead to a more advanced form of gum disease called periodontitis, in which the bacterial plaque affects not only the gums but also the bones and supporting tissues. In severe cases, surgery or extraction may be required, but the good news is that non-surgical periodontal treatments can help and even reverse the condition.

Prevention

The first step is ensuring that periodontal treatment isn't necessary at all, and simply involves a good oral hygiene routine. This is especially important if you are already experiencing the symptoms of gingivitis. Make sure you brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily and have a regular check-up with your dentist. If you do that, the odds are you will not need periodontal treatment at all. You should also bear in mind that smoking is a very high-risk factor in gum disease, and giving it up will protect you from periodontitis, as well as the more obvious health problems.

Scale and polish

The first treatment for periodontitis is a simple scale and polish—the professional cleaning that you get at a dentist's appointment. The dental hygienist will clean away the build-up of plaque on your teeth, which will be harbouring the bacteria that cause gum disease. They may use hand tools or an ultrasonic scaler, but both instruments should give the same results and remove the cause of gum disease.

Root planing

If the bacteria have spread to the roots of your teeth, a further treatment called root planing will be necessary. This is similar to a scale and polish but involves removing the plaque from below the gum line and smoothing down the roots of the tooth. This can cause discomfort, so you may be given a local anaesthetic before treatment, and you may continue to experience discomfort for 48 hours after the treatment, for which you can take over-the-counter painkillers. You may also be given antibiotics if your gum disease is particularly aggressive. After the treatment, however, you should feel your teeth become firmer, and your gums become less swollen.

A good daily oral hygiene regime is the key to avoiding treatment. However, periodontal treatment is safe and effective. If you have any concerns about your gums, contact your local dental office today for a consultation.