Gum disease treatment may be nonsurgical or surgical, depending on the stage of the disease and your oral and overall health. Nonsurgical treatments include scaling and root planing and antibiotics. Surgical options include pocket reduction surgery and guided tissue regeneration.
What is gum disease treatment?
Gum disease occurs when plaque and tartar build-up on your teeth surfaces. Your gums react to the bacteria in these irritants and become red, swollen and tender. Your gums may also bleed when you brush or floss.
The sooner you treat gum disease, the better chance you have for long-lasting oral health. At its earliest stage (gingivitis), gum disease is reversible. But the later stages (periodontitis) damage your gums and underlying bone. This results in gaps — or periodontal pockets — around your teeth, leading to further infection, loose teeth and even tooth loss.
Dental prophylaxis
A dental prophylaxis is a routine dental cleaning — like the one that many people have with their hygienist twice a year. During this procedure, a provider removes plaque and tartar from your teeth' surfaces.
Surgical gum disease treatments
Remove the tartar buildup and clean your root surfaces. Smooth and reshape areas of damaged bone, making it harder for bacteria to hide and grow. Finally, we reposition your gums and suture them into place.
Potential benefits of treatment for gum disease?
•Eliminate disease-causing bacteria in your mouth.
•Stop bone loss in your jaw.
•Get rid of bad breath (halitosis).
•Have healthier gums that aren’t red, swollen or tender.
•Reduce your risk for stroke, heart disease and a myriad of other medical conditions.