TREATMENT OF GUM DISEASE

Unfortunately, gum disease usually develops painlessly in the beginning, meaning the ongoing damage goes unnoticed. However, as it progresses, you may start to experience gum soreness, or even potentially gum abscesses. If you suspect an issue with your gums, your first port of call should be to arrange to see your dentist, to allow them to examine further as to whether periodontal disease has started to cause an impact. If this does seem to be the case, it may also be necessary to take new x-rays, to judge the amount of potential bone loss. This is an important step, as it helps guide the correct treatment moving forwards.

Following this, your dentist will then usually clean your teeth thoroughly to remove any scale. This may be recommended to be completed by a Dental Hygienist however, if more appropriate. For a deeper seated disease, the clinician may need to clean the roots of the teeth. This is a treatment known as ‘root planing’ or ‘non-surgical debridement’. This usually requires some level of local anaesthesia prior to being carried out, and can cause some discomfort afterwards for a short time. More significant treatments can take a number of sessions.

A good oral-care routine at home, with brushing and interdental cleaning, is the most important thing you can do to help prevent gum disease getting worse.

Successful treatment can help control periodontal disease, coupled with improved home care of your oral health. However, this successful treatment can also lead to gum recession, as the inflamed and swollen gums do so through healing. This can have a negative aesthetic impact on your smile, and can sometimes lead to increased sensitivity in the newly exposed areas. If this occurs, your dentist may be able to assist through desensitising treatments, or through the attention of a periodontal specialist.

Periodontal disease is never cured, but with successful treatment and improved oral health care at home, it can be controlled and slowed.

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