While gum disease (also called periodontal disease or periodontitis) is not curable it can be maintained, helping you keep your teeth, health, and smile.
Treatment for gum disease varies per situation, but may include:
Getting rid of the bacteria in your mouth that have gotten out of control. This may include deep cleanings by a dentist or dental hygienist, medications, and special recommendations for how you clean your teeth at home.
Issues related to the damage already done to your teeth and gums may need to be repaired. These can include replacing lost teeth or stabilizing the ones you still have.
Treatment may be recommended to correct areas that make it difficult for you to clean your teeth thoroughly. Gum surgery or repairing areas that trap food and breed bacteria are often part of this plan.
Helping you take care of your teeth at home. You may need special mouthwashes or tools to keep your mouth healthy. Without thorough daily home care the disease will become active again.
Regular visits with your dentist and dental hygienist at recommended intervals. Without careful follow up the bacteria will return resulting in your having to start over with the process, possibly with even more damage to your teeth and gums. This is one of the hardest things for us to witness. Occasionally, patients will invest in taking care of their teeth and health and then start missing or postponing visits with the hygienist. We hate to see them slip away and waste the investment they made in their health. Professional cleanings reach areas that you can't where bacteria love to hide and breed and are critical to the success of any periodontal care plan.
Treating periodontal disease is not always complicated or expensive, especially when caught early and maintained well. It may be as simple as having your teeth cleaned more frequently.
But, gum disease is a serious issue. It is an active infection in your mouth that destroys teeth and gets into your blood stream. When you follow your dentist's recommendations you can preserve your dental health and protect your physical health, as well.
If you are concerned about gum disease and live in the Rocklin, CA area, we would love to help. Call to schedule an appointment soon. We promise to be very gentle and take excellent care of you.
(916) 624-3119 Rocklin CA
