Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is fairly preventable with a good oral care routine. Diligent brushing and flossing are usually sufficient to remove harmful bacteria from the teeth and gums and prevent them from forming cavities and causing gum disease. If left on the gum line, bacteria can attack the soft tissue and lead to gingivitis, the early stage of periodontal disease.
For periodontal treatment in Etobicoke, ON visit Emiles Dental Care – dental office where the dentists use the latest technology equipment to offer services and care.
Gingivitis is usually characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums. At this stage, the disease is easiest to reverse with daily brushing and flossing, along with a thorough professional cleaning at your dentist’s office. If left untreated, it can progress into a more severe stage known as periodontitis. At this point, more invasive treatment will be needed to return the gums to health and avoid the risk of tooth loss.
The first, more conservative, method of treating gum disease is a nonsurgical treatment called scaling and root planing (SRP). During this treatment, your dentist or hygienist will remove plaque and tartar from your teeth, both above and below the gum line. This step is called scaling. Planing your tooth roots consists of having them smoothed out to discourage bacteria from gathering on those surfaces again. Because this treatment is slightly more invasive than a regular cleaning, a local anesthetic will be used, and a second appointment may be needed. Your gums will be left to heal and reattach to the teeth. Your dentist will re-evaluate their health after a few weeks to determine whether further treatment is needed.
If a scaling and root planing procedure is not sufficient to help your gums to reattach to the teeth, a periodontal pocket reduction or flap surgery may be recommended. In this procedure, the gum tissue will be folded back to allow your dentist or periodontist to remove infectious bacteria from the area and smooth areas of damaged bone. The gum tissue will then again be left to reattach to healthy bone.
Periodontal disease can lead to gum recession, causing the tooth roots to become exposed. To cover the exposed roots, gum tissue can be taken from your palate or another source and grafted to cover the roots of one or more teeth.
For any of these periodontal treatments, you will require periodontal maintenance appointments in addition to your regular appointments for cleanings and exams.
Book an appointment with a dentist near you for gum disease treatment in Etobicoke, ON. We also provide services to patients in other locations including Rexdale, Woodbridge, Toronto, Humber Summit, Malton, and Clairville.