What Is Periodontal Treatment? A Complete Guide

To fight gum disease and tooth decay, a dentist in Laurel, MD might suggest periodontal treatment. Learn what this means here.

Did you know that seeing a dentist in Laurel, MD on a regular basis may also help you keep track of non-dental diseases?

Dentists, for example, may assist their patients in identifying illnesses like diabetes. Many people will benefit from this, as many are unaware that they have pre-existing ailments.

Dentists can help lower the chances of health issues by using periodontal treatment.

But what is the purpose of this therapy, and how can it assist both dental and general health? Is there any discomfort associated with the treatment?



To learn more about periodontal treatment, keep on reading this guide.

What Is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontitis is caused mostly by infections and inflammation of the gums and bones supporting the teeth.

In its early stages, known as gingivitis, the gums might become swollen, red, and bleed. Periodontitis is essentially a more severe case of gum disease. If you have periodontitis, your gums will peel away from the tooth and your teeth may loosen or even fall out completely.



Adults are more likely to get periodontal disease. The two most serious dangers to oral health are periodontal disease and tooth decay.

What Is Periodontal Therapy?

Periodontal therapy is a non-surgical, conservative treatment for gum disease. Its purpose is to prevent and treat periodontal diseases without the need for surgery.

It aids in the restoration of good gum health, which aids in the prevention of tooth loss.

Periodontal therapy is frequently used as the first line of treatment for mild periodontitis. A patient has at least one tooth with 3mm of gum attachment loss at this stage of gum disease.

Gingivitis can also be helped by periodontal treatment. Gingivitis is not the same as periodontitis because it is merely an inflammation of the gums. Untreated gingivitis, on the other hand, can lead to periodontal disease.



Periodontal treatment has also proven to be useful for mild chronic periodontitis, according to the researchers. This is the most frequent stage of periodontal disease in adults in the United States. This gives people a non-surgical therapy alternative for their gum disease.

Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

Bacteria infect the tissue surrounding the tooth. Then, inflammation begins and then eventually leads to periodontal disease. When germs remain on the teeth for a long time, plaque forms, which eventually hardens to tartar.

Tartar buildup can develop beyond the gum line, making cleaning the teeth more difficult. The tartar can only be removed and the periodontal disease process stopped by a dental health specialist.

But what are the symptoms of periodontal disease? What can you watch out for? We've listed the most common symptoms below:

• Foul breath or a persistent bad taste
• Gums that are red or swollen
• Gums that are tender or bleed
• Chewing is painful
• Teeth that are loose
• Teeth that are sensitive
• Gums that have separated from your teeth
• Any difference in how your teeth fit together when you bite
• Any modification to the fit of partial dentures



If you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms, consider scheduling an appointment with your dentist. Getting ahead of periodontal disease is one way of ensuring a smoother treatment and therapy process.

Periodontal Disease Diagnosis

Periodontitis is usually diagnosed by a thorough physical examination by a dentist. A periodontal probe is used to assess if there is any gum attachment loss. If there is, this equipment allows them to determine the extent or degree of the gum loss.

An intraoral camera can also be used by your dentist to show you the interior of your mouth. This allows you to see the condition of your teeth and gums for yourself. This is also a time for your dentist to point out areas for improvement.



If the preliminary examination indicates evidence of gum disease, your dentist may recommend digital x-rays. These radiographs may capture digital pictures of your mouth practically instantly. This helps the dentist to provide a more accurate and timely diagnosis.

Types of Treatment Procedures

Periodontal treatments always begin with a professional dental cleaning. This is the same type of cleaning provided by your dentist during routine dental visits.

The cleaning aids in the removal of the initial layer of plaque as well as tartar from the teeth.

Plaque and tartar can accumulate on the teeth's surfaces below the gum line. As the gums recede from the teeth, this buildup happens. Receded gums create pockets, which allow plaque and germs to enter.

Scaling, often known as "deep cleaning," removes these concealed deposits. Plaque and tartar can be removed by your dentist using manual tools or ultrasonic cleaning. Hardened dental calculus may be broken down more quickly with ultrasonic cleaning instruments.

Root planing is the process of smoothing down rough regions on the tooth root. The dentist can remove microorganisms from the roughened regions by removing the roughened spots. Furthermore, this provides a clean surface for the gums to adhere to.

The gums might begin to heal with a mix of scaling and root planing. These two treatments may need one to two visits depending on the quantity of plaque and tartar.

Dentists may also employ drugs such as antibiotic gels as part of the therapy in many circumstances. These medications aid in the reduction of bacterial levels in the mouth. They can also assist in resolving swollen gums, which leads to a reduction in periodontal pockets.



If the gel is beneficial to your therapy, your dentist will administer it following scaling and planing. This will be placed in the spaces between the treatment pockets.

Your dentist may also advise you to use an antibacterial mouth rinse at home. They include an active component that fights germs as medicated rinses.

Get Periodontal Treatment From a Dentist in Laurel, MD

Periodontal treatment is available for you. Now that you know more about this type of gum disease, you may take charge of your oral health.



Do you have periodontal disease or just want to prevent tooth decay and restore gum health? If so, it's time to see a dentist in Laurel, MD to ensure the overall health of your teeth and gums.