Periodontal Health Exams and Preventive Treatments

Have you had a periodontal exam recently? If you have not, you should schedule one soon. Caring for your gums is just as important as having healthy, strong teeth. You do not want to ignore good gum care and suffer the consequences. There is no need to feel nervous about your appointment. An exam will help to promote good oral health and prevent gum disease and other problems from affecting your mouth.

What can happen when people neglect periodontal checkups and treatments

Just about everyone should know about the consequences of poor dental habits. Not brushing enough or correctly can lead to cavities and infections. The same is true with flossing. This activity is just as critical for a person’s oral health. A person should floss once a day and get in between every tooth with the floss.

A person who does not floss well enough may develop gum disease. This condition can destroy the gum tissue. Tooth loss and bone loss can follow. The disease can also cause infections to spread throughout the mouth. Eventually, the infection can reach the bloodstream and cause problems with the cardiovascular system.

What happens at a periodontal health exam?

A regular dental exam should happen every six months. Along with cleaning the patient’s teeth, the hygienist will also take a look at the patient’s gums. The dentist will check for signs of trouble, including inflammation, bleeding, and recession. At the exam, the dentist may ask the patient questions about how long the person has experienced the symptoms of gum disease.

Deep cleaning of the gums and teeth

In the early stages of periodontal disease, the effects are reversible. The hygienist or dentist can stop the progression of the disease and even help the gums to heal. Removing bacteria from the gums and teeth is possible with scaling and root planing. These two treatments scrape plaque and tartar from the teeth and at the gumline. It also looks for bacteria in pockets between the teeth.

Medication

When bacteria have invaded the gums, the tissue is at risk of deteriorating. The dentist may prescribe medication to kill the invading bacteria. These antibiotics may come in the form of mouthwashes or gels. Oral medications are also available.

Flap surgery

For more widespread periodontal issues, flap surgery may be necessary. With this, the dentist will make small incisions in the gums. Then, the dentist lifts back part of the tissue, exposing the roots of the teeth. The dentist will clean the area and may recontour the bone.

Tissue grafts

When gum recession is a consequence of periodontal disease, the dentist may need to do a tissue graft. This will build up the lost tissue and help to support the teeth. The dentist may take tissue from the roof of the mouth to do this. If there is not enough tissue here, the dentist may use a donor’s tissue.

Treatment is available for gum disease

You need to take periodontal troubles seriously. You can have peace of mind to know that effective treatments can restore your gum health. Make an appointment with your dentist today. You can discuss which approach makes the most sense for you.

Request an appointment here: https://www.dentistryforwoodstock.com or call Dentistry for Woodstock at (770) 238-1437 for an appointment in our Woodstock office.

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