Periodontal Disease Treatment
As the baby boomer generation slides into their fifties and sixties periodontal (gum) disease can become a concern. Fortunately with modern dental treatment periodontal diseases often can be treated successfully. Dr. Warren L. Spencer whose practice is in central Florida explains that Treatment has many benefits. Patients can increase the chances of keeping their natural teeth--and decrease the chances of serious health problems associated with periodontal diseases.
Dr. Spencer whose patients come from Orlando, Longwood, Altamonte Springs and the surrounding area goes on to explain that the first non-surgical step usually involves a special cleaning, called scaling and root planning, to remove plaque and tartar deposits on the tooth and root surfaces. This procedure helps gum tissue to heal and periodontal pockets to shrink. This is sometimes referred to as "periodontal" or "deep cleaning." A local anesthetic may be used to make the patient more comfortable. And usually treatment is completed in one or more visits.
Additionally the dentist may recommend medications to help control infection and pain, or to aid healing. These medications could include a pill, a mouth rinse, or a substance that the dentist places directly in the periodontal pocket after scaling and root planning.
Generally at the follow up visits, Longwood cosmetic and family dentist Dr. Spencer checks the pocket depth to determine the effect of the scaling and root planning. At this point, many patients do not require any further active treatment, only preventive care. However, if the disease has advanced to the point where the periodontal pockets are deep and the supporting bone is lost, surgery may be necessary to help prevent tooth loss.
When periodontal pockets do not heal after scaling and root planning, surgery may be needed to better remove inflamed tissues and reduce the damage to the bone that has formed around the teeth. As the pockets enlarge, they provide a greater place for bacteria to live and attack the bone and tissue.
Surgery allows the Dr. Spencer to access hard-to-reach areas under the gum and along the roots where tartar and plaque have accumulated. Eliminating this bacterial stronghold and regenerating bone and tissue help to reduce pockets and repair damage caused by the progressing disease.
During the procedure, Dr. Spencer turns back the gum tissue and removes tartar and smoothes the roots so that gum tissue can reattach. The gums are sutured back into place or into a new position to make gum tissue snug around the tooth.
Dr. Spencer may recommend additional procedures to regenerate lost bone and tissue. Bone surgery, including bone grafts, is used to rebuild or reshape bone destroyed by periodontal disease.
Once periodontal treatment is completed, Altamonte Springs cosmetic and family dentist Dr. Spencer will want to see you at regular intervals. Daily cleaning helps keep the plaque biofilm under control and reduces tartar formation, but it won't completely prevent it. More frequent checkups and cleanings may be needed to keep your gums disease free.
Doctor Spencer explains that good oral hygiene at home is essential to help keep periodontal disease from becoming more serious or from recurring. It just takes a few minutes twice a day to care for your teeth and gums. You don't have to lose teeth to periodontal diseases. Brush, clean between your teeth, eat a balanced diet, avoid tobacco and schedule regular dental visits for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
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