Periodontitis Treatment in the Triad of North Carolina
Periodontitis, or gum disease, is an infection that develops in the gums due to bacteria produced by plaque. The three stages of gum disease are gingivitis, periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis. Poor hygiene habits and neglecting treatment can increase your chances of developing gum disease.
Are You at Risk for Gum Disease?
Certain factors can increase your risk of developing periodontal disease, such as pregnancy, diabetes, use of certain types of medication, poor nutritional health, and more. In addition, more common attributing factors include:
- Improper or poor oral hygiene
- Smoking or tobacco use
- Defective dental restorations
- Asymmetrical teeth
When left untreated, the first stage of gingivitis will advance into periodontitis. This is when the gums and bone that support your teeth become critically damaged. Teeth can become loose, fall out, or ultimately be removed by a dentist.
Subsequently, periodontal disease can lead to more serious health problems such as Alzheimer’s and respiratory disease.
Preventing Periodontal Disease
Triad Cosmetic Dentistry recommends visiting Dr. MacDonald at least twice a year for an exam and cleaning to prevent periodontal disease and premature tooth loss. Our Triad dentist and hygienist will check for any signs of gum disease to keep your gums and teeth healthy.
Preventive dentistry saves our patients money, time, and potential pain or discomfort. Our goal at Triad Cosmetic Dentistry is to provide exceptional dental care so you don’t need additional treatment. We go beyond a simple cleaning — our hygienists strive to give you the tools you need to maintain your oral health properly at home.
Treatment Options at Triad Cosmetic Dentistry
We offer a variety of treatment options for patients that have been diagnosed with gum disease. Prior to your treatment, Dr. MacDonald will take the time to determine the severity of your disease and discuss treatment options.
Before suggesting surgical treatment, we seek the least invasive, non-surgical options. However, surgery may be necessary in more serious cases of periodontal disease.
Non-Surgical Treatment
Our first line of defense against gum disease is a form of cleaning, or also known as scaling and root planing or deep cleaning.
During this procedure, we use an ultrasonic device to remove plaque and tartar where regular devices can’t reach. The device gets hold of buildup under the gum line, on the tooth, and around the root.
The surface of the tooth and root are then smoothed out, or planed, providing a healthy surface for the gum tissue to reattach to the tooth. If gum disease is addressed at an early stage, patients typically only need to undergo scaling and root planing.
As with any procedure, aftercare is fundamental for a proper recovery. To prevent future occurrences of gum disease, Dr. MacDonald recommends the following:
- Regular brushing and flossing
- Abstain from smoking and tobacco use
- Maintain a healthy diet
- Schedule regular dental check-ups
Surgical Treatment
If the tissue or bone surrounding your teeth is damaged beyond repair, surgical treatment may be recommended. We offer several surgical procedures to restore your healthy smile and prevent additional damage.
Dr. MacDonald will recommend the procedure that’s best suited to the condition of your teeth and gums. Our Triad office provides laser assisted treatment for periodontal disease. However, the most common types of periodontal surgery include:
- Pocket depth reduction–The gum tissue is folded back to remove the bacteria, hardened plaque, and tartar that has collected underneath, as well as any damaged tissue. The healthy tissue will be sewn back into place so the gums can reattach to the teeth.
- Regeneration–Similar to reduction, the gum tissue is folded back to remove bacteria, plaque, and tartar. Depending on the severity, a bone graft may be performed to stimulate new bone growth, or protein that stimulates tissue growth may be applied to repair the damaged areas.
- Soft-tissue graft–During this procedure, the tissue from the top of your mouth or another source is sewed to the gum area. This covers the roots and restores the gum line to its original, healthy position. A graft can also be performed for cosmetic reasons.
Visit Triad Cosmetic Dentistry Today
If you’re at risk for gum disease, schedule an appointment with Dr. MacDonald and one of our Triad hygienists. The longer you wait to seek treatment, the higher the chances are of developing periodontitis that can result in irreversible damage.
At Triad Cosmetic Dentistry, we prioritize the oral health and overall wellness of our patients. If you have any questions about our treatment options, contact us at 336-434-3186 to speak to one of our knowledgeable staff members. Let us help you keep your teeth and gums healthy.