Periodontitis is a kind of gum disease that refers to the inflammation of the gums around the tooth. In this case, the gums recede from your teeth, and form spaces or pockets that develop into a breeding ground for bacteria. Plaque will start to spread and grow below your gum line. Your immune system will fend off the bacteria and, as a result, the connective tissue and bone that hold your teeth in position will start to break down. If left untreated, it will eventually result in tooth loss.
Proper periodontal care is needed to ensure that your gum disease does not worsen and instead reverses. To treat periodontitis, the best dentist in Laurel MD will do one or more of the following:
1. Scaling – It is the process of scraping off the tartar and plaque from below and above your gum line. It is typically not painful, and does not require anesthesia. In some cases, local anesthesia may be administered.
2. Root Planing – It is the process of removing rough spots on the root where the germs breed. Root planing also helps get rid of bacteria that make the condition worse. Ultrasonic instruments are also used to remove plaque and tartar. This is less painful, and results in lesser bleeding.
3. Flap surgery – It is done if the inflammation is already severe, and the pockets are too deep (i.e. they still remain even after scaling, planing, and medications). In this process, the gums are lifted back to remove the deep-seated tartar and plaque on the root. After that, the gums are sewn back in place for the tissues to fit back in. The gum tissues will eventually heal, and securely fit around your tooth. This procedure may result in longer-looking teeth.
4. Bone grafting – It is a procedure that helps regenerate bone that was lost due to periodontitis. In bone grafting, synthetic or natural bone is situated in the bone loss area to help support bone regeneration. Guided tissue regeneration, a technique used in bone grafting, uses a mesh-like material that is inserted in between the bone and gum tissue to allow the bone to grow where it is supposed to be.
5. Tissue grafting – This is done when gum tissue is lost due to periodontitis. Tissue will be taken from another part of your mouth, and will be used to cover your exposed tooth roots. Synthetic material can also be used in tissue grafting.
The success of each procedure on a long-term basis depends on many factors such as: the severity of your gum disease, how well you keep up your oral hygiene, and if you are a smoker or not. Nevertheless, proper periodontal care is a must if you want to keep your gums and teeth healthy.
