El Paso Gum Disease Treatment
Gum disease, officially known as periodontal disease, puts you at risk for more than just oral health problems. It can lead to inflammation throughout the body and has been linked to serious health conditions, such as stroke and heart disease. At Pearl Dental, we provide both surgical and non-surgical options to restore the health of your gums and protect you from gum disease-related complications.
Gum Disease Treatment
Bacteria cause plaque, a sticky film, to constantly form on the teeth. Regular brushing and flossing prevent the film from building, hardening, and inflaming the gums. However, if the plaque isn’t removed well enough, inflammation can cause the gums to pull away from teeth. As the gums pull away, they leave behind pockets where bacteria can gather. Left untreated, these pockets of bacteria can lead to tooth and bone loss.
Good oral hygiene is the first defense against gum disease. The second—regular teeth cleanings. During a regular dental cleaning, a dental hygienist removes hardened plaque and tartar from the teeth. Most people need two cleanings a year to keep their gums healthy.
However, a standard dental cleaning is only a preventative measure against gum disease. If, during your regular cleaning, the dentist notices signs of gum disease, you may need more than two standard cleanings a year and require more aggressive gum disease treatments.
Non-Surgical Treatment
Scaling and root planing, sometimes called a deep cleaning, goes beyond the standard dental cleaning. It’s used for those who have symptoms of gum disease, such as:
- Swollen, red gums
- Bleeding gums
- Persistent bad breath
- Receding gums
Scaling and root planing is a two-part process. The first part—scaling—is the removal of hardened plaque and tartar from the teeth below the gum line. The dentist usually applies a local anesthetic to numb the gums so you don’t feel any pain during the procedure.
Once the plaque and tartar are removed, the dentist moves on to root planing. This process involves smoothing the surface of the tooth below the gum line. The gums then have a smooth, clean surface onto which they can attach. Depending on the severity of the gum disease, scaling and root planing may require more than one appointment.
Surgical Treatment
If gum disease progresses, you may need surgical intervention to stop the infection and restore your teeth and gums to health. Our dentists will discuss treatment options with you based on your medical history and the severity of the gum disease.
Surgical options may include:
- Pocket reduction/flap surgery: During this procedure, the gums are lifted back to clear the root and bone of tartar. This procedure reduces the size of the space between the gums and root, helping prevent further infection.
- Bone grafts: The dentist uses a graft (a piece of your bone, synthetic bone, or donated bone) to create a platform for bone regrowth and tooth stabilization.
- Soft tissue grafts: A piece of grafted tissue, usually from the roof of the mouth, is attached to a place where the gums are thin or fill in gaps where the gums have receded.
- Guided tissue regeneration: If gum disease causes bone and tooth loss, guided tissue regeneration may be used to stimulate bone and tissue growth. This gives the teeth a stable foundation.
- Bone surgery: This surgical procedure smooths areas where bacteria can gather and grow.
Compassionate Treatment for Long-Term Oral Health
At Pearl Dental, our dentists have your long-term oral health at the center of your treatment plan. We work with you to create a comprehensive strategy that addresses your oral health needs as well as your fears and concerns. Gum disease is a serious but treatable issue. We’re here to help and keep your teeth functional and beautiful.
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