Non-Surgical Periodontal Treatment Options

There are multiple periodontal treatment options that do not involve the use of surgery. Gum disease is one of the most common oral ailments people deal with, and it can lead to serious health and dental issues if it is not treated. It should be noted that surgical periodontal treatment options are sometimes needed to treat the worst cases of gum disease.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease is caused by plaque and tartar making their way into a person's gums. These substances house millions of bacteria that can infect the gums. The affected person's body responds by sending antibodies to combat the bacteria. This often leads to symptoms like:

• Inflammation
• Tender gums
• Loose teeth
• Receding gums
• Gums that bleed easily

If gum disease reaches the advanced stages, it can lead to the person's teeth falling out and some serious health issues. Here are some of the ways a dentist might go about treating gum disease without any surgery.

Treatment options

1. Teeth cleaning

The earliest stage of gum disease is called gingivitis, and it can be reversed with improved oral hygiene and regular dental cleanings. The cleaning removes tartar and plaque, the two things that lead to the formation of gum pockets, from teeth surfaces. By getting rid of tartar and plaque, the infection of the gums is often brought to an end.

2. Deep cleaning

Also known as scaling and root planing, deep cleanings are performed to remove tartar and plaque from the surfaces of teeth roots. This procedure is often combined with medication that is inserted into gum pockets after they are cleaned. A huge portion of patients do not need any additional treatments after a deep cleaning, but most will need to have the procedure performed every three to six months to keep gum disease under control.  

3. Mouth trays

Mouth trays are sometimes used to deliver medication to a patient's gums. The medication is applied to the tray, and the patient wears it for a fixed amount of time. It delivers essential medication directly to the gums and helps to fight off the infection.

4. Laser treatment

Lasers are becoming increasingly popular when it comes to treating gum disease. Soft tissue lasers can be used to break up and remove tartar from gum pockets. A growing number of patients are opting for laser treatment since it often does not require the use of anesthetics and the patient does not experience much soreness after the procedure.

5. Medications

There are a variety of medications that are used to combat gum disease. Some are applied directly to the gums, while others are injected. The medication attacks the source of gum disease and helps to bring the infection under control.

Get the treatment you need

Thanks to modern innovations, gum disease can now be treated without any surgical procedures. Give us a call and find out if non-surgical treatment is right for you.

Request an appointment here: https://www.westtexasperio.com or call Advanced Periodontics & Implant Dentistry at (432) 538-3318 for an appointment in our Odessa office.

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