What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection that damages soft tissue in the mouth and the bone which supports a patient’s teeth. Oral bleeding is normal after certain procedures and if your toothbrush is too hard on your gums; but if you notice chronic bleeding when brushing or if there’s any unexplained bleeding, it could signify gum disease. Thankfully, Wetaskiwin dentists can treat your gums and prevent the disease from spreading.
Gingivitis is the first stage of this condition, and it is characterized by inflammation. This phase of infection is very common and usually goes unnoticed. If you experience tender or swollen gums or bleeding after brushing, it could be an indication that you’ve developed gingivitis. With a good oral hygiene routine, symptoms can go away.
The advanced stage of gum disease is known as periodontitis. This will cause a patient’s gum to detach from their teeth, creating a space or a“pocket” that harbours bacteria and infection, which affects the surrounding teeth, tissues, and ligaments. If left untreated, periodontitis can eventually lead to tooth decay. The infection can also spread to the bloodstream and affect a patient’s general health. Having a dental clinic that offers gum disease treatment in Wetaskiwin is important to ensure your oral health is restored. Wetaskiwin Family Dental is here to help you treat and prevent further infections.
What You Should Know About Gum Disease Treatment
Gum disease can become a dangerous condition if it goes unaddressed. Fortunately, dentists in Wetaskiwin use up-to-date technology and treatments to treat gum disease, including:
1. scaling and planning
This is the first treatment dentists can perform to treat gum disease. Scaling removes the tartar that has accumulated on the tooth and gum line. Your dentist will then reattach your gum to the teeth.
2. Medication
Your dentist may prescribe you antibiotics to help reduce bacteria and help control the infection. The dentist may also recommend other ways to prevent the infection from growing until it can be treated properly with an advanced procedure.
3. Flap surgery
This surgery will eliminate the gum pockets created by the disease. A dentist will make an incision on the gums and reposition them back toward the bone. Once this is done, the bone may need to be contoured (or manipulated) so the gum tissue can attach and heal.
4. Bone graft
If your gum disease has advanced, it can affect your bones. Patients might need a bone graft to rebuild the bone structure affected by the infection.
5. Soft tissue graft
Gum disease can affect your mouth’s soft tissue and cause tissue loss. The dentist will need to get material from the roof of your mouth (also called your palate) and reattach it to the areas that have lost tissue to reinforce and prevent further loss. This will help reduce gum recession.
5. Tooth extraction
When an infection is too developed, the dentist may need to remove the tooth to restore oral health. The tooth can then be replaced with a restoration treatment.
Gum Disease Can Be Prevented
Maintaining a good hygiene routine and visiting a dentist near you for regular check-ups is the best way to prevent gum disease. Make sure you brush your teeth twice daily and floss at least once to prevent plaque accumulation. To remove any additional bacteria, finish your routine with mouthwash. A good hygiene routine at home is not enough, so ensure you schedule cleaning appointments twice a year. During the appointment, a dentist will check for any infection.
If you fear you have gum disease and are looking for gum disease treatment near you, contact Wetaskiwin Family Dental to book an appointment today.