What is periodontal therapy? How is this type of technique used to improve the tooth and gum health of a patient? This article will focus on what periodontal treatment is, how it is used, and how to avoid needing this type of therapy method. After reading, click on this link to learn more.
What is periodontal therapy?
Periodontal therapy is a method used to restore tissue gums that are riddled with the disease back to optimal health. There is not only one form of treatment that falls under periodontal therapy. There are many treatment procedures. The dentist will analyze the needs of the specific case, how severe the damage is, and recommend treatment methods from there.
Periodontal therapy is needed from the moment gum disease is discovered. Periodontal disease can transfer from the gums to the underlying bone that supports the teeth below. If the bone is affected, it can cause tooth loss, especially in severe cases.
Periodontal therapy procedures
Both surgical and non-surgical techniques are included in periodontal therapy. Here is a list of possible treatment options that dentists may recommend.
- Scaling and root planing
- Periodontal laser treatment therapy
- Gum grafting procedures
- Crown lengthening surgery
- Periodontal plastic surgery
- Dental implant surgery
All these methods are used with the common goal of restoring the patient’s oral health to a healthy level. Depending on the level of severity of the periodontal disease, and if teeth need to be replaced, the dentist may use a number of these periodontal therapy procedures to help the patient get over their periodontal diseases.
However, even if treatment is finished, there is still a chance that periodontal disease may recur. This is why proper prevention techniques should be taught to the patient, to make sure that they will be able to keep gum disease away from their gums after treatment.
Prevention techniques
Keep in mind that dental plaque is the leading cause of periodontal disease and tooth loss. If you do not want to be faced with the problem of having to cure gum disease, later on, it is a good idea to invest time and effort to make sure that plaque is removed from your teeth.
Good oral hygiene habits
Brushing teeth and flossing at least twice a day, and especially before going to sleep at night, is an excellent way to remove plaque effectively and leftover food particles from the surfaces and in between teeth.
Drink lots of fluids
The increase of fluids will help keep bacteria and plaque build-up at bay. Drinking fluids, especially water, and swishing them around in your mouth will dislodge any particles leftover from the previous meal. This is an excellent way to prevent any food from being stuck on and in between teeth, especially if it is not possible to brush right after the meal.
Regular visits to the dentist
Visit your dentist at least one time every year. This will allow the dentist to check for any oral health issues and periodontal disease that may be forming. They will be able to recommend preventive treatment to stop these issues even before they happen. If the dentist does discover a form of an oral issue developing, they will recommend more frequent visits to monitor the oral issue. Your heart health may be affected because of periodontal disease, so having regular checkups are needed.
