Understanding The Options For Gum Treatments

byAlma Abell

A diagnosis of periodontal disease means that something is wrong with the gums. Depending on the type and severity of the condition, different kinds of Gum Treatments will be used to deal with the problem. Here are a few examples of strategies that a dental professional could recommend.

Dental CleaningsOne of the more common non-surgical approaches that the dentist may present is a dental cleaning. More than just teeth cleaning, this particular procedure involves careful cleaning of the gums. The goal is to remove any type of build-up that could be contributing to the problem. The cleaning also makes it easier for the medical professional to further assess the nature of the disease and determine what another treatment would help.

Root Planing and ScalingAlso considered a non-invasive course of treatment, the goal is to remove build-up that below gum level, as well as on the surface. Once the scaling is finished, the dental professional may plane or smooth out any rough areas found around the root of the tooth. Patients are given a local anesthetic for these procedures so they can remain comfortable. In some cases, the professional may prescribe some sort of pain killer for use over the next few days, or recommend an over the counter pain reliever to take if any soreness or discomfort develops.

Pocket Reduction SurgeryIn more advanced cases, planning may not be sufficient to remove all the plaque and another build-up. Pocket reduction surgery involves lifting the skin covering the gums away from the teeth, then using surgical utensils to scrape away anything that should not be present. Once the areas are clean, the skin is put back in place, often a little closer to the teeth than before. This helps to minimize the chances of addition infection or build-up in the future.

The only way to determine what sort of Gum Treatments is to undergo a complete dental examination. For people who have not seen a dentist in some time, today is a perfect opportunity to schedule an appointment. A complete check-up will reveal if any type of condition is developing, and make it possible to treat the problem before things get worse.