Periodontitis is a serious gum inflammation and infection that damages the soft tissue and destroys the bone that supports your teeth. Loss of support causes the teeth to become loose and eventually fall out. This disorder is the primary cause of tooth loss in adults.
So, how does this terrifying periodontitis begins?
Plaque and tartar build up at the base of the teeth leading to inflammation. The inflammation from this build-up causes the formation of pockets in between the gums and the teeth, which will also be filled with plaque and tartar.
Continued inflammation leads to damage of the tissues and bone surrounding the tooth. As plaque contains bacteria, infection is likely to occur and a tooth abscess may eventually develop.
2. Scaling
Scaling removes tartar and bacteria from your tooth surfaces and beneath your gums. It may be performed using instruments or an ultrasonic device.
3. Root planing
Root planing smoothes the root surfaces, discouraging further buildup of tartar and bacterial endotoxin.
4. Antibiotics
Your periodontist or dentist may recommend using topical or oral antibiotics to help control bacterial infection. Topical antibiotics can include antibiotic mouth rinses or insertion of gels containing antibiotics in the space between your teeth and gums or into pockets after deep cleaning. However, oral antibiotics may be necessary to completely eliminate infection-causing bacteria.
These treatment are only applicable if periodontitis is not advanced because once it is advanced your gum tissue may not respond to nonsurgical treatments and good oral hygiene. In that case, periodontitis treatment may require dental surgery.
Deep pockets in the gums may need to be opened and cleaned. Loose teeth may need to be supported. Your dentist may need to remove a tooth or teeth so that the problem doesn’t get worse and spread to nearby teeth.
According to Colgate, when considering any extensive dental or medical treatment options, one should think about getting a second opinion. To find a dentist or periodontist for a second opinion, you may call the local dental society. They can provide you with names of practitioners in your area.
But above all things, if you don’t like invasive periodontitis treatment, then you have to know that the best chance for successful treatment is to adopt a daily routine of good oral care.
Image Credits: colgateprofessional.com, kodjoworkout
