If you have been diagnosed with periodontal, or gum, disease, then you may feel worried about your smile. You may want to do your best to make sure that your oral health gets stronger, and there are ways you can do just that! However, it’s important you get a better understanding first, and asking your dentist the right questions can help with that. Here are three you should bring up before you start periodontal therapy.
What Causes Gum Disease in the First Place?
You should first learn more about what can cause gum disease. Patients who have it typically develop it from a buildup of plaque along the gumline. The soft tissues can become attacked and infected by these bacteria. The first stage of this condition is called gingivitis, which causes noticeable redness, inflammation, and bleeding when brushing or flossing.
That said, there are other risk factors to be aware of, such as smoking or tobacco use, hormonal changes, and systemic conditions like diabetes. By first finding the cause, you can then make the necessary lifestyle adjustments to make sure you can protect your grin.
How Can Gum Disease Be Treated?
Every case of periodontal disease is different because no two mouths and situations are the same. There are several treatment options that are customized per patient, but here are some your provider might recommend:
- Scaling & Root Planing: This is a deep cleaning using special dental instruments to remove bacterial buildup above and below your gumline. The roots will also get smoothened out to encourage reattachment and prevent plaque from sticking on them.
- Antibiotic Therapy: This service is often used in tandem with other treatments as the antibiotic is placed directly into gum pockets. It can help promote healing and reduce your risk of reinfection.
- Laser Periodontal Treatment: This procedure uses a state-of-the-art soft tissue laser to remove any affected tissues. It can aid in reducing your symptoms and soreness.
When Should I Schedule a Follow-Up Visit?
There are stages to gum disease, so someone with a minor case may need fewer checkups compared to someone who has it more severe. You may be able to stick with twice-yearly visits as normal, but it may be possible that you’ll need to be seen about every three months. Having more frequent checkups can ensure this condition isn’t spelling trouble for you. That way, you keep it at bay and enjoy a stronger smile.
About the Practice
At BridgeMill Dental Care, you benefit from the skilled leadership of Dr. James Candon and Dr. Daniel Carver. We are dedicated to helping the Indian Land community avoid gum disease and manage it with effective treatments. By tailoring a plan to you, you can feel confident knowing your grin can stay in great shape. If you have any questions about this condition you want answered, schedule an appointment or call our office at (803) 650-3925.