Gum disease affects over half of American adults, encompassing various forms from gingivitis to the more severe periodontitis. This oral health concern can carry substantial consequences. If you’re troubled by bleeding and inflamed gums, seeking prompt consultation with your periodontist is essential. To work towards a healthier smile in the long term, here are four vital questions to address concerning gum disease.
Are Follow-Up Appointments Necessary?
To effectively manage gum disease and support the healing process, it’s essential to diligently attend the follow-up appointments recommended by your periodontist. These appointments are pivotal in preventing the reoccurrence of the disease and promoting continuous progress and gum healing.
For individuals with severe periodontitis, it’s customary to arrange more frequent appointments than the standard six-month checkup. In such cases, visiting your dentist’s office every 3-4 months may be necessary. By steadfastly attending these appointments, you adopt a proactive stance in mitigating the risk of further infection, thereby fostering the well-being of your teeth and gums throughout the year.
What Kind of Technology Is Used to Treat Gum Disease?
Many dentists and periodontists continue to utilize traditional approaches for eliminating harmful bacteria, with scaling and root planing being a prevalent treatment choice. This method is designed to combat gum disease and advance overall oral health.
In this procedure, a dental expert meticulously removes plaque, tartar, and bacterial toxins from tooth surfaces and beneath the gumline. It involves scaling to remove buildup and root planing to create smoother tooth roots, making it harder for bacteria to adhere. Ultrasonic scalers and specialized hand instruments ensure thorough and efficient cleaning.
Do You Offer Sedation?
Patients who may experience anxiety regarding gum disease treatment will find it comforting to inquire about sedation dentistry options offered by their periodontist. Whether it’s nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, or IV sedation, these methods can effectively alleviate anxiety.
They can also be advantageous for individuals undergoing intricate or lengthy procedures, those with a sensitive gag reflex, and those who struggle with remaining still in the dental chair or reclining for extended periods.
What Tooth Replacement Solutions Are Available if Gum Disease is Too Advanced?
While it may not be a mandatory step to extract a tooth as a result of gum disease, there are situations where it becomes necessary. If you encounter this scenario, your periodontist will engage in a discussion with you regarding appropriate tooth replacement alternatives, helping you identify the most suitable solution for your specific requirements.
Among the prevalent choices for tooth replacement are dental bridges, dentures, and dental implants, with the latter being the preferred option. Dental implants, employing titanium posts that fuse with the jawbone, provide a durable and stable solution for your smile, potentially enduring for several decades when accompanied by permanent prosthetics.
Initiating a dialogue with your periodontist before commencing treatment will establish a sense of comfort and assurance as you embark on the path toward a healthier smile. Gaining insight into their recommended approach for improving your gums will offer reassurance and peace of mind regarding the trajectory of your oral health.
About the Practice
South Texas Periodontics & Implants provides highly effective treatments to residents of Corpus Christi and the nearby communities. They deliver top-notch care for individuals dealing with issues like inflamed or bleeding gums. Whether it’s through procedures like scaling and root planing or by offering guidance on improving at-home oral care, their team places utmost importance on the safety and comfort of their patients throughout treatment. To discover more or to schedule an appointment with South Texas Periodontics & Implants, contact their office at (361) 992-7641 or visit their website.