Gum Disease – What Are My Options for Treating It?

It may be alarming to learn that you need to start treating gum disease, but the truth is, there are a number of successful options to treat the problem. Maybe your issue began with an infection that included very little to no pain or irritation.

Some people may not even realize they have this milder form of the disease, known as gingivitis. However, without proper treatment, even a mild case of gum disease can develop into the more severe form, periodontitis. But, again, fortunately there are a number of effective treatment options. — all with the goals of controlling infection, preventing tooth loss, and keeping the disease from damaging tissue.

Non-Surgical
Treatment for bleeding receding gums starts with a deep cleaning. This type of gum treatment involves a process called scaling and root planing, where dental plaque and tartar deposits on tooth and root surfaces are removed. This gum disease treatment — along with the help of medication prescribed by your dentist — helps gum tissues to heal and gum pockets to shrink.

Periodontal Surgery
If the tissue surrounding your teeth is unhealthy and cannot be repaired with non-surgical treatment, then surgery is required, with the specific procedure depending on your case. Surgery allows dentists to access hard-to-reach areas under the gum and along the roots where plaque and tartar have accumulated.

Bone Surgery or Bone Grafts
When the disease has destroyed bone as well as gum tissue, your dentist may need to use bone grafting to reshape and rebuild any bone that’s been affected.

Gingival Grafting
If the diseased gums are beyond repair in one area, your dentist may take healthy tissue from another part of your mouth and graft it to the affected area.

What’s the Best Gum Treatment? Prevention.
Gum disease is usually preventable. And great gum health goes hand in hand with great dental health, beginning with proper oral hygiene. Brush regularly with a fluoride-containing toothpaste, floss every day, and visit your dentist regularly.