Treatment Options for Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, is a prevalent oral health condition that affects the gums and supporting structures of the teeth.

Left untreated, gum disease can lead to serious complications including tooth loss or systemic health issues, such as an increased risk of heart disease. As gum disease can present itself in numerous ways, dentists have several options for treatment at their disposal, both surgical and non-invasive.

Diagnosis of Periodontal Disease

Dr. Kenneth Egger assesses the severity by gently probing the gum pockets around each tooth to measure their depth.

Depths greater than 3mm indicate the presence of gum disease. X-rays may also be taken to evaluate if the disease has reached the underlying bone. Dentists place periodontal disease into different stages, ranging from mild (Type 1) to severe (Type 4) with significant bone and gum deterioration.

Non-Surgical Gum Disease Treatment Options

For mild to moderate periodontitis, Dr. Kenneth Egger prefers to start with non-surgical treatments. The most common options for addressing early-stage gum disease are scaling and root planing.

With scaling, dentists remove tartar and infectious material from below the gums. Root planing smooths the surface of the tooth root, which effectively inhibits bacterial growth.

These procedures are typically accomplished with local anesthesia to minimize discomfort. Antibiotic medications may also be prescribed to combat infection. These can be applied directly into the infected pockets or used in a mouth tray with antibacterial gel.

Surgical Periodontal Disease Treatment

In advanced cases of periodontal disease, however, surgical intervention is often necessary. The most common form is called pocket reduction surgery, which aims to reattach the gums to the tooth roots and reduce the depth of the periodontal pockets. During this procedure, the gums are temporarily pulled away to allow tartar removal.

Patients sometimes requires additional smoothing of the bone and removal of a small portion of gum tissue. This promotes gum reattachment and facilitates easier maintenance of oral hygiene later on. In cases where significant gum or bone tissue loss has occurred, grafting procedures may be required.

Address Your Periodontal Disease With Kenneth Egger, D.D.S.

Don’t put off addressing gum disease. The best treatment for periodontal disease is simply tackling the problem early on, so make time for a skilled dentist like Dr. Kenneth Egger, D.D.S.

To learn more about Gum Disease treatments and prevention, please call us today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kenneth Egger. We serve Mount Pleasant, Michigan, and surrounding areas, and you can call us at (989) 773-3560.