Periodontal treatment includes a variety of procedures aimed at the prevention and therapy of periodontal disease, also known as gum disease. Please read our article to learn about the negative consequences of this condition and when periodontal disease would require surgery. 

 

What Is Periodontal Disease?

 

Periodontal disease, commonly referred to as gum disease, is an oral infection that manifests in the soft tissue around the teeth. It is usually caused by bacteria and tartar buildup in the mouth so that it can be prevented with proper oral hygiene, but it is hard to treat when the disease is advanced. 

 

Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

 

• Receding gums (gums that pull away from the teeth) that expose the roots of the teeth to bacteria and plaque buildup
• Inflamed or infected periodontal pockets—spaces that surround the teeth.
• Mobile or loose teeth
• Pain and discomfort in the gums or pain that spreads throughout the jaw
• Swollen, red, or bleeding gums
• Soreness or sensitivity of the gums
• Changes in bite alignment or in how your teeth fit together
• Pain or discomfort in the gums when chewing food
• Gum abscess or pus that discharges from underneath the gum line
• Bad breath or bad taste in the mouth that do not go away after brushing and flossing your teeth

 

Why Periodontal Disease Is Dangerous?

 

Periodontal infection starts in the gums, but it can penetrate the jawbone if not treated in time. Periodontal disease destroys the tissue supporting the teeth and leads to jaw bone density loss. Both these factors can lead to tooth mobility and eventually to tooth loss. 

 

In addition, chronic mouth infections, particularly gum disease, are associated with serious complications for the health of the whole body. They can cause issues with the lungs, heart, gastrointestinal system, joints, blood sugar levels, and even cognitive function. 

 

When Does Periodontal Disease Require Surgery?

 

Advanced gum disease or gum disease that puts you at risk of tooth loss might require surgical treatment. Advanced gum disease usually does not respond to procedures like professional cleanings and at-home oral hygiene routines. Surgical treatment of gum disease usually performed by a periodontist  can:

 

• Remove tartar, bacteria, and infection from beneath the gum line
• Reduce the size of periodontal pockets 
• Help regrow the bone and gum tissue 

 

Types of Surgical Procedures for Periodontal Disease

 

Several methods of treatment can be employed to cure gum disease:

 

Flap Surgery

 

The procedure of flap surgery involves making small cuts in the gums to lift part of the gum tissue and clean out tartar, bacteria, and infection from under the gumline. Once the teeth and gums are clean, the tissue is sutured back, which allows the gums to fit firmly around the teeth.

 

Bone Grafting

 

Bone grafting is aimed at prompting the jaw bone to regenerate. Small grafts (which can be natural or synthetic) are strategically placed in the bone so it can start to repair and rebuild itself around the graft. Bone grafting can also be used in preparation for dental implants when tooth loss has already occurred.

 

Soft Tissue Grafting

 

Soft tissue grafting, also called gum grafting, can be effectively used to treat gum recession. During the procedure, your doctor will most likely harvest the graft from the roof of your mouth and place it in the gums, where regeneration is needed. Then, the doctor will place the sutures, reposition the gum tissue, and apply stitches. 

 

How to Prevent Periodontal Disease

 

The primary preventative measure for periodontal disease is a thorough daily oral hygiene routine:

 

• Brush your teeth for at least 2 minutes with fluoride toothpaste in the morning and before bed to prevent plaque buildup and bacteria from lingering on your teeth and gums.
• Floss your teeth before brushing to remove food particles from between your teeth.
• Consider using a Waterpik to boost your oral hygiene. While it can not replace brushing and traditional flossing, a Waterpik can be effective as an additional step in your routine. It can help remove plaque along the gumline and in hard-to-reach areas in the mouth.
• Visit your dentist every six months for a check-up and a professional cleaning. Your dentist has tools and techniques to effectively remove plaque from hard-to-reach spots, preventing it from turning into tartar. 

 

Make an Appointment Today

 

Periodontal disease requires immediate attention, as it threatens not only your oral health but also the health of your whole body. If you have any of the symptoms of gum disease we mentioned in this article, do not hesitate to make an appointment with a periodontal dentist in Los Angeles today. We are looking forward to welcoming you to the LA Wilshire Perio dental office.