Gum Disease Therapy

Gum disease is a severe problem that affects the health of your gums and bones supporting your teeth. It can lead to tooth loss and other oral health issues. Several factors, including genetics, age and certain illnesses or conditions such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and asthma, cause it. For more information, visit Calgary Dentists.

If left untreated, gingivitis can progress into periodontitis (gum disease), which may involve the destruction of bone around your teeth and the surrounding soft tissues. Symptoms of gum disease include bleeding, swelling and pain in your mouth. You may also have persistent bad breath and a loss of attachment between your teeth and gums.

Your dentist will complete an evaluation to determine your gum disease’s severity. They will then provide you with a treatment plan for your specific situation.

Non-Surgical Gum Treatments:

A deep cleaning called scaling, and root planing is often performed to remove tartar and bacteria. A topical or oral antibiotic usually follows this to help control the infection.

Scaling and root planing are usually done under local anesthesia (numbing). Dental hygienists use special instruments to scrape the tartar and plaque from your teeth and below the gum line. They also smooth any roughness on your tooth roots to prevent future bacteria buildup.

Antibiotic gels, infused into the pockets between your teeth and gums after scale and root planing, can help reduce the bacterial count in your mouth. They can also help ease swollen and tender gum tissue that is part of shrinking periodontal pockets.

Chlorhexidine, a timed-release antibiotic, is another option for treating periodontal pockets after scaling and root planing. It’s available as a mouth rinse or gelatin-filled chip placed into your bag and releases the medication over seven days.

Laser Therapy:

The precise use of lasers can be an effective tool to remove infected gum tissue and disinfect the pockets without cutting or suturing. This procedure is less painful and faster to heal than traditional surgery.

Bone Grafts:

When the bones that hold your teeth are damaged due to gum disease, they may need replacement to restore their shape and function. New technology has made it possible to replace damaged bone with synthetic or donated bone, thereby restoring stability and strength.

Bone grafts are typically performed using fragments of your own or donated bone, although bone from synthetic sources can be used if needed. In addition, soft tissue grafts are sometimes used to reinforce thin gums or fill spaces where the gum has receded too far.

Restoring Gums and Teeth:

In more advanced cases of gum disease, restorative procedures are recommended to restore oral health. Depending on your needs, your doctor will suggest tissue grafts to protect your teeth and bone grafts from replacing lost bone.

Researchers have found a new way to treat gum disease that reduces inflammation, limits disruption of the oral microbiome and prevents bone loss. This new compound blocks a receptor for a metabolic byproduct called succinate, associated with inflammation. By targeting this receptor, the researchers have found a new non-invasive, low-cost solution for treating gum disease.