Periodontal treatment is the process of preventing, diagnosing, and treating gum disease. Gum disease is a serious infection that can damage the gums and underlying bone that supports your teeth. If left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss.
The first line of treatment for periodontal disease is usually non-surgical. This may involve scaling and root planing, which is a deep cleaning of the teeth and gums. Antibiotics may also be prescribed to help control the infection.
If non-surgical treatment is not successful, or if the gum disease is advanced, surgical treatment may be necessary. There are a variety of surgical procedures that can be used to treat periodontal disease, such as flap surgery, bone grafting, and soft tissue grafts.
The goal of periodontal treatment is to stop the progression of the disease and preserve your teeth and gums. With proper treatment and care, most people can successfully manage their gum disease and keep their teeth for life.
Here are some of the most common periodontal treatments:
- Scaling and root planing: This is a deep cleaning of the teeth and gums that removes plaque, tartar, and bacteria. It is the most common treatment for periodontal disease.
- Antibiotics: Antibiotics can be used to treat the infection that is causing periodontal disease. They may be taken orally or applied directly to the gums.
- Flap surgery: This surgery is used to access the root surfaces of the teeth and remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria that cannot be reached with scaling and root planing.
- Bone grafting: This procedure is used to replace bone that has been lost due to periodontal disease.
- Soft tissue grafts: This procedure is used to cover exposed tooth roots and add thickness to the gum line.
The type of periodontal treatment that you need will depend on the severity of your disease and your individual needs.
