Periodontal Treatment

Periodontal treatment is used to treat gum disease, known as periodontal disease. Many people suffer from this condition and it can range from simply gum inflammation right through to serious damage to soft tissue and even the bone supporting the teeth. It can also lead to lost teeth so is a condition that needs to be dealt with as soon as possible.

Causes of periodontal disease

By design, our mouths are full of different bacteria and these unite with mucus and other particles to form something called plaque. This is a sticky, colourless substance that adheres to teeth and forms a hardened substance called tartar, that captures more bacteria. Brushing and flossing can help stop this process but only a dentist can entirely remove it.

The longer plaque and tartar hang around, the more of a problem they become. The bacteria cases swelling of the gums, called gingivitis, where the gums become red and bleed easily. It is the milder form of gum disease and can often go away with normal cleaning but sometimes a dentist is required to help remove it.

Periodontitis is the more serious version of gum disease and the one that requires periodontal treatment.   This is where gums part from the teeth and pockets form where infection sets in. The body can fight the infection but doesn’t always win and the infection can reach the bones and tissues that hold the teeth in place.   This can lead to the removal of a tooth.

Periodontal treatment

The main aim of periodontal treatment is to get control of the infection so the exact nature of the treatment depends on the condition. Deep cleaning is often used, sometimes called scaling and root planning, where tartar is scraped from the tooth and rough spots where germs congregate are removed.

Medication is something also required, ranging from antimicrobial mouthwash through to antibiotic gel and other medications. The worst case scenario may involve surgical treatment if the condition has reached a particular stage. Here at Whitehouse & Partners we can advise you on the best course of treatment for the condition that you have.