Periodontal Treatment and Deep Cleanings
Welcome to Machen Family Dentistry, where we prioritize your dental well-being and specialize in the treatment of gum disease. Our experienced team in Idaho Falls is dedicated to ensuring your gums are in the best possible condition, addressing issues like gum disease, bleeding gums, and more. Let's explore the world of periodontal health together.
What is periodontal disease?
Exploring the Landscape: Gingivitis and Periodontitis
There are two main types of periodontal disease: gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is inflammation of the gingival tissues and is characterized by redness, edema, and bleeding. Gingivitis is typically reversible with a good brushing, flossing, and regular cleanings. Periodontitis is an active infection of the periodontal structures including the gingival tissue, bone, and periodontal ligaments. Infection occurs when plaque and tartar accumulate under the gums creating a breeding ground for bacteria. As the body tries to attack the bacteria, it destroys the bone and tissue in its path. Like gingivitis, the tissues are inflamed and bleed. Gum recession and bone loss occur around the teeth if not properly treated.
Diagnosing Periodontitis
Beyond the Surface: Unveiling Oral Health through X-rays
During a routine cleaning visit, the hygienist will take x-rays to determine the health of the bone that holds the teeth in. From the x-rays, the dental hygienist will inspect the level of bone, measure the gums around each tooth, and will be able to tell if an infection is present. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), normal, healthy pockets will be no more than 3 millimeters deep. If the pockets are at least 5 millimeters, your dentist might prescribe a deep scaling and root planing appointment with the dental hygienist.
Taking Charge: Treating Periodontal Disease
Spotting the Signs: Bleeding Gums and Swollen Gums
If you've noticed bleeding gums or swelling, it's crucial to act promptly. These are early indicators of gum disease. Our skilled professionals at Machen Family Dentistry excel in pinpointing these signs and devising personalized strategies for effective treatment.
Cutting-Edge Periodontal Treatments at Your Fingertips
Machen Family Dentistry stays ahead with state-of-the-art laser periodontal therapy, offering minimally invasive treatments for gum disease. Additionally, guided tissue regeneration is a groundbreaking technique we use to stimulate bone growth and restore lost gum tissue, ensuring a comprehensive approach to periodontal health.
Understanding Gum Disease: The Silent Threat
Gum disease is often a result of poor oral hygiene, a common culprit that can't be emphasized enough. Inadequate brushing and flossing allow bacterial plaque to accumulate on the teeth and root surfaces, leading to gum inflammation and, if left untreated, advancing to more severe stages.
Rescuing Loose Teeth: A Bone Grafting Marvel
Worried about loose teeth or facing tooth loss due to advanced gum disease? Fear not! Our experts are adept at bone grafting procedures, fortifying your jawbone and supporting the gum line. Say goodbye to uncertainties and hello to a confident smile.
Revolutionary Flap Surgery for Severe Periodontitis
In cases of severe periodontitis, Machen Family Dentistry employs flap surgery to access the root surfaces and eliminate bacterial plaque. This proactive approach is pivotal in halting the progression of advanced gum disease.
Unveiling the Culprits: Identifying Risk Factors
Understanding the risk factors associated with gum disease is the first step toward prevention. Our team educates patients on these factors, empowering them to make informed decisions for optimal oral health. Don't let the threat of gum disease loom – take charge with Machen Family Dentistry.
Scaling and Root Planing (Deep cleaning)
Choosing the Right Path: Nonsurgical and Surgical Approaches
There are two ways to treat periodontitis; nonsurgical and surgical. Nonsurgical treatment is the first line of defense against active periodontitis. This is called nonsurgical periodontal therapy, scaling and root planing, or a deeper cleaning. A dental hygienist will administer local anesthetic and gently use a scaling instrument to remove plaque and tartar from all surfaces of the tooth, including the root, The hygienist will then smooth the root surface to remove embedded bacteria. A scaling and root planing procedure usually requires a minimum of two visits. A six-week follow-up visit will be necessary after to evaluate pocket depth improvement.
Surgical periodontal treatment is indicated when the disease process has further progressed and requires a periodontal specialist. If clinical signs of disease activity persist after nonsurgical and other adjunctive treatments are completed, the dentist will refer the patient to a periodontist. The periodontist will perform another periodontal exam and create a new treatment plan.
Care After Treatment
Beyond the Treatment Room: The Ongoing Journey to Oral Health
While the initial treatment of periodontitis is effective and necessary, follow-up is required to continue the healing process and return the tissues back to health. After the non-surgical periodontal therapy is completed, the hygienist will determine the appropriate cleaning interval. Typically, a three-month cleaning schedule is indicated after treatment because periodontal pathogens start to destroy bone and tissue after 90-day intervals. Daily home care and frequent recall are still paramount for long-term success. Other adjunctive treatments might be recommended on top of meticulous brushing and flossing routine to reduce as much bacteria and plaque as possible at home. How the patient cares for their teeth at home is just as important as the treatments we provide. Once the disease is arrested, the patient may be able to return to a longer cleaning interval, if appropriate.
What Causes Periodontal Disease to Recur?
Persistent Challenges: Exploring Causes Behind Recurring Periodontitis
When disease does reoccur, despite frequent cleanings, it can usually be attributed to poor supragingival and subgingival plaque control. However, certain systemic factors can cause periodontal diseases to reoccur or progress. These include tobacco use, autoimmune diseases, or chronic inflammatory diseases, such as diabetes. Systemic diseases weaken the immune system and prevent the body from healing. Other localizing factors that contribute to disease recurrence include deep inaccessible pockets, overhangs, poor crown margins, and plaque-retentive calculus.
Pharmacotherapeutic Therapies
Beyond Scaling and Root Planing: Unleashing Advanced Weapons
If clinical signs of disease activity persist after scaling and root planning, other pharmacotherapeutic therapies should be considered. Augmenting maintenance visits with adjunctive chemotherapeutic agents can help stop the disease process. Examples include the use of a prescription antimicrobial mouth rinse, placing a local antibiotic into the infected pocket, or prescribing an oral antibiotic that targets periodontal pathogens.
Proper Treatment is Important
Proper treatment of periodontal disease is important in helping to prevent not only bone and tissue loss in the mouth but systemic disease throughout the body. Your immune system is meant only to fight off infection for a short period of time. Chronic activation of the immune system means it can get worn out, and it won’t be as strong to fight off an illness. Chronic activation of the immune system can increase your risk of developing systemic diseases such as stroke, heart disease, diabetes, and dementia.
Prevention
The best way to avoid periodontal disease is prevention. A healthy mouth starts at home with brushing twice a day for the full two minutes and flossing at least once daily. Despite our best efforts at home, tartar build-up will still collect on the teeth and require six-month cleanings on average. Frequent cleanings allow the dentist and hygienist to monitor changes in the gums and bone closely. This makes it easier to catch disease earlier rather than later when irreversible damage has occurred.