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Conventional treatments for gum disease
Gum disease is caused by the accumulation of plaque on the teeth. Plaque contains bacteria that produce acid that breaks down the enamel of the teeth and wears away at the gums. When this happens, it becomes easier for bacteria to enter into other parts of your mouth and cause infection. The treatment of advanced gum disease by dentists currently involves several methods. There may be several solutions to your gum problem, depending on your dentist and the type of gum problem you have.
Antibiotics
It is possible to apply antibiotics on-site via creams or mouth rinses that can easily pass through the gum pockets and kill microscopic bacteria. Along with other gum disease treatment options, your dentist may recommend this option. If you stop taking antibiotics, the infection will likely return because antibiotics are not intended to be used for long-term maintenance. Taking antibiotics not only kills harmful bacteria but also good bacteria, leading to a host of future health problems.
Scaling
It is the process of removing stubborn plaque and tartar from teeth, preventing the bacteria from spreading further. In this procedure, dental instruments are used as part of a non-surgical procedure. Also, scaling can remove bacteria from below the gum line, which is often used to treat gum disease in its early stages. This procedure is not enjoyed by anyone I know. In addition to being very uncomfortable, it can also be very expensive if you don’t have health insurance.
Root Planing
The surfaces of the roots need to be smoothed, as this prevents bacteria from accumulating further. Using this method, you can directly reach your teeth’s surface without surgery.
Oral Prophylaxis
There are usually several procedures involved in this method, which is more intensive. The purpose of oral prophylaxis is usually to prevent gum disease by thoroughly cleaning the teeth. Scaling is just one of several oral prophylaxis procedures, such as polishing your teeth and cleaning between your gums. Additionally, a water rinse can be performed to eliminate all types of bacteria in the mouth by pumping pressurized liquid around the mouth. The sensation is marginally uncomfortable, but not to the point of causing pain.
Soft tissue grafts
Your teeth’s roots may become exposed when your gums recede, requiring more ‘gripping space for the teeth as the tissue reinforces. Grafts are then placed in the areas that need attention using tissue taken from the roof of your mouth. A procedure like this may take time and is recommended for gum lines that are severely damaged. If you are fortunate enough to have insurance, this can be a very expensive procedure.
Guided tissue regeneration
It may not be necessary to completely graft bone in some cases. A dentist only has to guide bone regeneration, making sure its growth occurs in the proper location without help from other parts of the body. Bone and tissue are separated by a biocompatible fabric. In this way, the bone can repair and heal itself by preventing tissue from growing into it. As well as being expensive, this can be a very time-consuming process.
