Gum Disease Therapy
Boise, ID
 Strong, healthy teeth are an important part of healthy living in general. It might not seem like your teeth could have a huge impact on your overall well-being and quality of life, but they are incredibly important factors. Committing yourself to maintaining excellent oral health might not always be the easiest thing to do, however, especially if you do end up with a persistent disorder that requires regular attention.
At Water's Edge Dental, we understand that your oral health is important. We also understand that living your life is equally as important, and to that end, we are proud to offer a variety of services and treatment options for things like gum disease.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is a chronic disorder that affects your oral health. Also known as periodontal disease, the term "gum disease" is perhaps a bit unclear when it comes to the potential consequences of developing the disease. While periodontal disease does affect your gums, you should know that developing periodontal disease can potentially lead to lost teeth if action is not taken to correct the situation as quickly as possible.
Gum disease has a few different stages. The first is known as gingivitis, and it causes inflamed and painful gums. If these symptoms are not heeded, then the disease progresses into full-blown periodontal disease. At this point, the infection that is likely raging beneath the gum line of the patient can cause bone as well as tissue loss and can lead directly to the rather extreme situation of needing to have a tooth extracted.
To help avoid that kind of extreme consequence, there are various treatment options that can help a patient regain good oral health.
What Is Gum Disease Therapy?
As mentioned above, there are a few options to keep in mind when it comes to gum disease therapy. One of the first options that you are likely to go through is something known as scaling and root planing. This treatment involves one of our dental hygienists or dentists removing tartar and plaque from your root surfaces and teeth. In turn, this allows your gums to reattach themselves to the newly cleaned teeth. This alone can be incredibly effective when it comes to gaining some control over gum disease and getting the journey to better health started. After the scaling and root planing is completed, you will come back in and visit us a few weeks after the treatment date so that we can evaluate your teeth and your tissue, and determine whether or not you need more treatment.
Other potential treatment options when it comes to gum disease therapy include:
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Pocket Reduction Procedure
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Gum Grafts
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Regenerative Procedures
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Periodontal Maintenance Visits |
Of course, one of the most important options available when it comes to maintaining good oral health is to regularly visit one of our dentists, and this is especially true for those who have suffered from periodontal disease.
Pocket Reduction Surgery
Pocket reduction surgery is a treatment performed when the periodontal pockets are too deep to clean effectively with scaling and root planing. With this treatment, incisions are made in the gums so that we have access to the roots of your teeth and the surrounding bone. We are then able to effectively clean your teeth. After your gums are sutured closed, the tissue can begin reattaching.
Gum Grafting
Gum disease can lead to gum recession. As periodontal pockets grow deeper, the infected tissue begins to die off. This exposes more of your tooth structure, causing your teeth to appear longer. You are also at an increased risk of cavities and tooth sensitivity. Gum grafting is a surgical procedure that involves taking tissue from another area of your mouth, typically the roof, and suturing it over the affected areas of your teeth. The tissues fuse, forming a brand new, healthy gum line.
Periodontal Maintenance
Following gum disease therapy, you are scheduled for a follow up 6 to 8 weeks later. During this appointment, we check to make sure that your gums are healing properly. However, if we do not see enough healing or your gums are getting worse, you may be recommended for periodontal maintenance. This is a treatment that involves regularly scheduled exams during which we examine your mouth, check for signs of oral cancer, and clean your teeth. Depending upon your specific situation, these visits may be as frequent as every two months or as spaced out like every six months.
While gum disease can be treated with gum disease therapy, it is also important to maintain a good oral hygiene routine to prevent gum disease from developing again. For more information, and to schedule your appointment, call Water's Edge Dental at (208) 391-8554 today.
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