Gum disease is a progressing condition that affects people of all ages. The early signs are bleeding gums, gum inflammation, and swelling. If left untreated, the gum tissues may recede, exposing the roots. This condition can also cause bone loss and bad breath, and at its worst, it can result in diabetes, stroke, and heart disease. Luckily, early detections and interventions can help restore your gums’ health and reduce the risk of other health conditions. Learn 3 steps to restoring gum health:
SCALING AND ROOT PLANING
In the advanced stage of gum disease, the gum may start to pull away from the teeth. This creates a way for the plaque bacteria to reach the teeth’ roots, which can lead to infections. When this happens, a professional may recommend deep teeth cleaning to remove plaque and tartar below the gum line. This treatment involves two procedures: scaling and root planing. Scaling entails cleaning below the gum line. Planning is also necessary to allow the gum tissues to reattach to the teeth. Unfortunately, these are not enough to solve the issue. You may need regular dental checkups to monitor the progress and make improvements where necessary.
PERIODONTAL FLAP SURGERY
In severe cases, the non-surgical treatments may not resolve gum disease. In this case, a professional may decide to clean the tooth roots and repair damaged bones through periodontal flap surgery. This procedure involves folding back the gum tissues to access the tooth roots. The professional then reattaches the gum for easier daily teeth cleaning.
GUM GRAFT
Gum recession is the leading factor in tooth sensitivity, infection, and loss. If some gum tissues are missing, the dentist in Dacula may recommend a gum graft to cover the exposed tooth roots. This procedure involves removing tissues from the roof of the mouth or surrounding gums and replacing the receded gums. Schedule an appointment with us and learn more options for restoring gum health.