Gum Disease Treatment Brisbane
How is gum disease treated in Brisbane?
Let us start by explaining what gum disease is and how it occurs. Then we will walk you through how to cure gum disease and, even better, how to prevent gum disease.
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is an inflammatory dental condition affecting the gum tissue and the bone that supports the teeth. It is caused by the accumulation of dental plaque in the mouth, around the teeth and gum line.
According to Pure Dentistry, an emergency dentist in Brisbane, Gum disease (also known as periodontal disease) is a bacterial infection that affects the gums and the bone that supports the teeth. It’s caused by the buildup of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth and gums. Over time, plaque can harden into tartar, which can only be removed by a dental professional. Gum disease can lead to tooth loss and other serious health problems if left untreated. Gum disease is preventable with good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing and flossing regularly and regular check-ups and cleanings with your oral health therapist.
Gum disease occurs when the gum tissue surrounding and supporting the teeth becomes infected and inflamed. This condition can affect the bone supporting the teeth, leading to tooth decay, receding gums, and even tooth loss.
If plaque is not removed through regular brushing and flossing, it can harden into tartar. A dental hygienist can only remove hardened plaque and tartar, and you can’t get rid of them through regular oral hygiene practice at home.
- Gum diseases occur primarily due to improper dental hygiene, plaque buildup on the teeth along the gum line, and ignoring routine dental visits. Unaddressed periodontal disease may risk oral health and cause other diseases.
- The best and easiest way to stay on top of dental health and prevent gum disease is to practise good oral hygiene and arrange regular dental check-ups.
What Are the Stages of Gum Disease:
Gingivitis & Periodontitis
Gingivitis
- The early stage of gum disease is called gingivitis and is characterized by gum inflammation. Brush your teeth twice daily using fluoride toothpaste and a soft toothbrush to prevent gingivitis.
- Symptoms of gingivitis may include bad breath, red, swollen or bleeding gums, or tender gums that are sensitive to touch. Gingivitis can be reversed with proper oral hygiene and regular dental cleanings.
Periodontitis
- The advanced stage of gum disease, called periodontitis, occurs when the inflammation spreads to the underlying bone and other supporting tissues around the teeth. As the disease progresses, the gums may begin to pull away from the teeth, creating periodontal pockets where bacteria can accumulate and cause further damage. Over time and if left untreated, periodontal disease may lead to bone loss and tooth loss.
- Periodontitis will not go away on its own or with proper dental hygiene, and it needs professional treatment.
Warning Signs
- Symptoms of gum disease can include bleeding gums, swollen gums, bad breath, sensitive teeth, loose teeth, and gum recession.
- Gum can damage the connective tissue and bone supporting your teeth if left untreated.
What Art Gum Disease Risk Factors?
Several risk factors can increase your likelihood of developing gum disease.
You are more likely to develop gum disease if you have poor dental hygiene habits like irregular or inadequate brushing, infrequent use of dental floss or interdental brushes, and a high-sugar diet.
Smoking, having crooked teeth, hormonal changes, certain medications, and certain systemic diseases, such as diabetes, may also increase your risk of developing the condition.
Nonsurgical vs. Surgical Treatments for Gum Disease: What Are My Options?
Periodontal treatment cleans the pockets around your teeth, decreases the number of harmful bacteria(disease-causing bacteria) in the mouth, and saves teeth from further damage. Treatments may include a deep cleaning to remove plaque and tartar, and bacteria from below the gum line, antibiotics to control infection, and in more advanced cases, surgery to repair the damage caused by the disease.
The number of factors determines what treatment option will best address the disease. The patient’s oral health, overall health, disease stage, and adherence to strict oral hygiene instructions after treatment.
Nonsurgical Treatments
Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing involve deep cleaning of the gums and teeth and will help remove plaque and tartar buildup. The dental hygienist will use specialized tools to remove hardened plaque from your teeth and gum line during scaling.
Root planing is performed to smooth out rough spots on the tooth root that can harbour bacteria and contribute to gum disease.
Antibiotic Therapy For Gum Disease
Antibiotic therapy (topical or oral antibiotics) can be used as an adjunct to control bacterial infection.
Surgical Treatments
Surgical options for gum disease may be necessary if nonsurgical therapies cannot control the infection and restore gum health. Here are some common surgical treatment options your dentist or periodontist may suggest addressing the condition.
Laser Periodontal Therapy
Laser periodontal therapy is a minimally invasive treatment that uses lasers to remove diseased tissue and promote healing. It can reduce bleeding, swelling, and discomfort associated with traditional gum surgery and may result in faster recovery.
Pocket Reduction Surgery (Flap Surgery)
Flap surgery is a periodontal procedure that involves lifting back the gums to remove tartar and bacteria from deep pockets around the teeth and clean the root surfaces. The gums are then repositioned and sutured back in place to reduce pocket depth and improve the health of the gums.
Bone Grafting
Bone grafts can help regenerate bone that has been lost in the jaw. The bone graft material may be from the patient’s bone or synthetic bone, or donated bone. The bone graft material will be placed in the jaw area where bone loss has occurred. Over time, the body will integrate the graft material and new bone tissue will grow, supporting the teeth.
Soft Tissue Grafts
Soft tissue grafts can help treat gum disease by replacing lost gum tissue and covering an exposed tooth root. The procedure can reduce sensitivity, protect the tooth from further damage, and improve the overall appearance of the gums.
Guided Tissue Regeneration
Guided tissue regeneration is a technique used to promote the growth of new bone and tissue in areas where it has been lost due to gum disease. The procedure involves placing a barrier membrane that allows new tissue to form while preventing unwanted tissue growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Successful Is Gum Disease Treatment?
The success of gum disease treatment depends on several factors, such as the severity of the condition, the extent of the damage, and the patient’s overall health. If periodontal disease is detected and treated at its earliest stage, it can be controlled with proper treatment and good oral hygiene habits.
Sometimes, the disease has advanced and caused significant damage to the gums and supporting bone. Restoring the affected area to its original state may be impossible in that case.
Research has shown that treatment can typically successfully control the disease and prevent it from progressing.
Does mouthwash help with gum disease?
Using mouthwash can be a helpful addition to your oral care routine in managing gum disease. It’s important to note that mouthwash alone cannot cure gum disease and should be used as a supplement for proper brushing and flossing.
What Are the Risks or Complications of Periodontal Disease Treatment?
Like any medical or dental treatment, there are potential risks and complications associated with gum disease treatment.
- Pain and discomfort: Pain, swelling, and sensitivity in the treated area are common side effects of gum disease treatment. These symptoms typically subside within a few days, but they can be managed with pain medication or other measures recommended by the dentist or periodontist.
- Bleeding: The gums may bleed during and after the treatment. Bleeding is a normal part of the healing process and should subside within a few days. However, excessive bleeding can sometimes occur, especially in patients taking blood-thinning medications.
- Infection: Although gum disease treatment is designed to control the infection, there is a risk of developing a secondary infection in the treated area. Infection may happen if bacteria enter the bloodstream or the wound is not properly cared for after the treatment.
- Tooth sensitivity: Some patients may experience increased tooth sensitivity after gum disease treatment, especially to hot and cold temperatures.
- Receding gums: In some cases, the gums may recede after periodontal disease treatment, making the teeth appear longer and more exposed.
- Tooth mobility(loose teeth): In rare cases, periodontal disease treatment can cause teeth to become loose or even fall out.
How should I care for my teeth and gums after gum disease treatment?
After your dentist treat gum disease, it’s essential to take extra care of your mouth to ensure that they heal properly and to prevent further damage to the gums.
- Follow your dentist’s or periodontist’s instructions for aftercare. They may recommend certain oral hygiene practices or medications to help with the healing process.
- Practice good oral hygiene habits such as brushing twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush, flossing daily, and using an antiseptic mouthwash.
- Use toothpaste that contains fluoride to help strengthen the enamel and prevent cavities.
- Avoid smoking and using other tobacco products, as they can increase gum disease risk and slow healing.
- Eat a healthy and balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, which can help strengthen the immune system and aid healing.
- Schedule regular dental cleanings and check-ups to monitor the health of your teeth and gums and to catch any issues early on.
Following these tips and taking good care of your teeth and gums after gum disease treatment can help ensure a successful recovery and maintain good oral health.
How Long Will It Take to Recover From Gum Disease Treatment?
If you have a nonsurgical treatment such as scaling and root planing, you may experience discomfort for a few days after the procedure.
However, most people can return to normal activities immediately after the treatment.
The recovery time may be longer if you have a surgical treatment such as gum flap surgery or gum grafting.
It is common to experience pain, swelling and bleeding for a few days after the surgery.
You may need to avoid certain foods and follow special instructions for caring for the surgical site.
It may take a few weeks for the gums to heal fully and for you to feel back to normal.
Pure Dentistry
According to the American Dental Association, it is recommended that individuals visit their dentist at least once every six months for a routine check-up and cleaning.
The frequency of visits may vary based on the individual’s dental health needs. Some people may need to visit their dentist more frequently, especially those who smoke or have gum disease.
Pure Dentistry offers a wide range of dental services, including general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and orthodontics. Our team of highly skilled and experienced dentists is dedicated to providing personalized care to all our patients in Brisbane, Australia.
Phone our Pure Dentistry dental clinic in Brisbane on phone number 07 3343 4869 for more information. You can also book online directly from our website.
