Thorough Gum and Teeth Cleaning

During your regular dental appointment, the dentist and/or dental hygienist perform a routine procedure that removes harmful tartar and plaque from just below and above the gum line. After removing plaque and tartar, your dentist may notice the early signs of gum disease and recommend several options from preventing the gum disease from getting worse.
Scaling

Performed while you're on a local anesthetic, scaling involves deep cleaning the tartar and plaque from your teeth. The dentist scrapes the plaque and tartar, which reduces the bacteria that build up to cause gum disease. Gums need clean surfaces to create firm teeth attachments. Scaling represents the last non-surgical method for gum disease treatment. If gum disease worsens, patients may opt for surgical gum disease treatment.

Bone Grafts

Dentists replace the bone damaged by encroaching gum disease by taking bone fragments and grafting the fragments within the exposed areas where gum disease flourishes. The graft acts as the agent for encouraging the creation of new bone that ensures your teeth have a stable foundation. A technique that has received some attention, but still is in the development stage, prompts your body to grow bone matter to prevent gum disease.

When Gum Disease Threatens Your Overall Health

Late stage gum disease requires late stage gum disease treatment. Soft tissue grafts rebuild the distressed areas of the gum that have caused openings between the gum and teeth. Guided tissue regeneration requires that fabric mesh sit between the bone and gum tissue to promote bone growth. Bone surgery forms shallow bone craters that discourage bacteria growth.

Prevention is the Best Gum Disease Treatment

The amount of time that elapses between dental visits makes it imperative that you take measures to prevent gum disease. Gum disease prevention measures do not cost much and rarely hurt.

Here are some tips to prevent gum disease:

•  Brush teeth the right way

•  Floss after every meal

•  Gargle mouthwash

•  Do not smoke

•  Know risk factors such as age, nutrition, and family genetics

Above all, schedule an appointment with a periodontist to receive a comprehensive analysis of your gums.

Drugs that Treat Gum Disease

Many dentists use antibiotics for gum disease treatment. The antibiotics work in concert with surgical and non-surgical procedures or as stand-alone strategies to remove harmful bacteria. Prescription-only brands such as PerioGard and Peridex possess the anti-bacteria strength that helps you reduce plaque and tartar. Most antibiotics come as a mouth rinse or gel tablet. Your dentist may also prescribe other antibiotics, depending on the severity of your gum disease. Moreover, some toothpaste contains the antibiotic triclosan.

Gum disease not only causes the quick degeneration of your teeth, it also indicates you have other health concerns that include diabetes or heart disease. Make sure you receive a thorough dental cleaning twice a year to prevent gum disease.

Spring Cypress Dental is ready to tackle any of your gum disease issues. Simply contact our professional staff if you have any questions about the health of your gum tissue, or if you are concerned your overall dental health. If you are currently suffering from gum disease, we can help.