Gum Disease Treatments in Gordon, NSW
Scaling and Root Planing
Gum Disease Treatments Gordon
The progression of gum disease, also known as periodontitis, can lead to severe gum, bone, and tooth decay.
It is caused by an overgrowth of plaque, a bacterial film on teeth, gums, and tongue. Prevention largely depends on good oral hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing.
Excessive plaque can lead to gingivitis and inflammation of the gums.
Gum Disease Progression
Gingivitis:
The first signs of gum disease are called gingivitis.
Symptoms include:
- Swollen, red, or dark-coloured gums
- Tender or sensitive gums that bleed during or after brushing/flossing
- Bad breath
Gingivitis is a non-destructive and reversible condition. Proper periodontal treatment and oral hygiene can effectively reverse it.
If untreated, gingivitis can advance to:
Periodontitis:
Persistent gingivitis can lead to periodontitis, a more destructive form of gum disease.
At this stage:
- Gum tissue and bone-supporting teeth decay.
- Swift and effective periodontal treatment, coupled with good oral hygiene, is crucial to prevent extensive dental damage.
If neglected, bacterial growth causes irreversible bone loss around tooth roots.
In advanced periodontitis:
- Roots become exposed.
- Teeth lose proper support.
- Teeth may loosen, necessitating extraction if treatment is no longer viable.
Reversing Gum Disease through Treatment
The treatment of gum diseases varies based on severity, response to previous interventions, and overall health.
After a comprehensive assessment, various treatments will be prescribed and discussed, from non-surgical to surgical procedures.
Non-surgical methods focus on controlling bacterial growth, while surgical treatments aim to restore the soft tissues supporting your teeth.
Early detection and treatment make gum disease more reversible. In the initial stages of gingivitis, enhancing oral hygiene and receiving professional dental cleanings can eliminate built-up tartar along the gum line.
Professional Dental Cleans
During your dental examination in Gordon, your dentist will meticulously remove tartar and plaque buildup from the gumline.
If signs of gum disease are detected, your Gordon dentist might recommend more frequent cleanings as a preventive measure.
It’s important to note that professional dental cleans focus on prevention and do not treat active gum disease. However, these preventive measures play a crucial role in halting disease progression.
Scaling and Root Planing
Conducted under local anesthesia, scaling and root planing is a comprehensive cleaning method that includes scraping away plaque and tartar from the gum line. This process also involves smoothing rough areas on the tooth root.
Polishing these rough surfaces eliminates bacteria and creates a favourable surface for the gums to reattach to the teeth.
Your Gordon dentist performs these procedures when the presence of plaque and calculus beneath the gums is detected and requires removal.
Advantages of Deep Cleaning and Root Planing Procedures
Scaling and root planing are extensive cleaning methods that your dentist will recommend if you have recently been diagnosed with gum disease.
Plaque and bacteria from the areas between your gums and teeth are carefully removed during this treatment. Your dentist employs a specialised instrument to eliminate plaque from the tooth’s crown to the root.
Scaling and root planing have proven highly effective in reducing inflammation associated with gum disease.
The procedure is commonly employed to:
Prevent Gum Disease
Prevent Other Health Issues
By treating the plaque that leads to gum disease, one can lower their chance of developing systemic issues like heart disease and stroke.
Protect Teeth from Gum Disease
Tooth loss can be prevented by the procedure, which fights bacteria that cause deep pockets between gums and teeth.
Remedy Persistent Bad Breath
A thorough cleaning treatment significantly reduces bad breath, relieving this concern.
Gum Surgery and Treatment
For severe gum disease, more extensive measures like gum surgery may be necessary, and in some cases, extraction of damaged teeth might be required.
In instances where surgery or root planing is performed, antibiotics may be prescribed as part of the treatment, and your dentist will guide you if needed.
Preventing gum disease is possible through a diligent oral hygiene routine, including:
- Brushing teeth at least two times daily with a soft brush.
- Daily flossing.
- Maintaining a balanced diet.
- Avoiding tobacco use.
- Regular dental check-ups.
Your Gordon dentist will detail the procedure and its execution during your consultation.
Gum Disease Treatments in Gordon
You should not ignore gum diseases as they are serious dental problems.
Our dental team at Northern Dental Gordon provides safe and effective gum disease treatments for everyone.
Visit your Gordon dentist today!
Call us at (02) 9498 8290 or book an appointment online.
We are located at Suite 3, 2 St Johns Ave in Gordon.
FAQ
What are the causes of gum disease?
Smoking and improper tooth care are two common causes of gum disease. However, there are additional factors that you may not be able to control, such as genetics, age, and underlying diseases such as diabetes or heart disease.
How to prevent gum disease?
You may prevent gum disease by seeing your dentist twice a year and maintaining basic oral hygiene. If you smoke, you should stop.