Do I Need Periodontal Therapy?

According to the American Association of Periodontology, gum disease comes in various stages in different individuals. This makes each periodontal treatment tailored to the needs of a specific case. Periodontal therapy has two main categories — surgical and non-surgical. Surgical periodontal therapy involves getting into your gum and bone tissue to deal with the infection. The non-surgical form includes root planing, scaling, and the removal of plaque or tartar. If you want to find out if you need periodontal therapy, here’s what you should know.

Poor Bite

An improper bite can wear your teeth down. This can cause some of your teeth to loosen. When your teeth’s attachment to your gums weakens, small pockets form for bacteria to thrive. If this is your issue, your periodontist can reshape your bite or give you a bite splint. These treatments can make your teeth more stable and improve your bite.

Tartar Accumulation

Experts explain that periodontal disease happens continuously. It may appear as gingivitis in one part of your mouth and then advanced periodontal disease on the other. Periodontists always prefer to use the least invasive treatments for mild to moderate periodontitis. Antibacterial medications usually accompany treatments such as root planing and scaling. These are safe periodontal therapies in the hands of an experienced periodontist.

Receding Gums

If your teeth seem longer than before, this is a clear manifestation of receding gums. This can be the opportunity for bacteria to enter your teeth and gums. Gum recession usually results from teeth grinding (bruxism), improper tooth positioning, or hard brushing. If you have receding gums, your periodontist can address this immediately through gum graft surgery. This transfers healthy gum tissue to areas of gum recession. After the procedure, you will have more protection from periodontal disease and your smile will improve.

Tooth and Bone Loss

Advanced gum disease usually results in bone and tooth loss. This is an extremely serious stage that must undergo periodontal therapy immediately. Your periodontist may start with deep cleaning in the form of planing and scaling. If you have an infected tooth, you may have to go through a high level of infection management and tooth extraction. You should have these aggressive treatments so that you can keep as many teeth as you can. If you still have most of your teeth intact, you can prevent bone loss in those areas. Sections without teeth may have early stages of bone loss already. For this, your periodontist may perform a bone grafting procedure for future dental implants.
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Experts say that periodontal disease usually begins in one section of your mouth. Your periodontist can treat this as soon as possible to prevent it from spreading. At Eagle Gate Dental, we provide safe and effective periodontal therapy for any stage of periodontitis. We provide high-quality treatments to improve your oral health and prevent future periodontitis. Please visit our clinic in Salt Lake City, Utah, for an in-person consultation. You can also call us at 801-781-5300 if you want to schedule an appointment. We can answer your inquiries about our periodontal therapy packages.