When we are children we all learn the importance of taking care of our teeth but when it comes to good oral health the teeth are only half of the equation. It is also extremely important to take proper care of your gums. Gum treatments are stressed at the
Emerson dentist office DiBona & Scamardella Dental Studio a unique practice specializing in all forms of general, cosmetic and restorative dentistry. Our practice stresses that in order to keep the teeth as healthy as possible the material surrounding the teeth, the gums, also needs to be healthy in order to prevent the introduction and spreading of periodontal disease.
Gingivitis is the mildest and most common gum disease and is most often caused by the toxins in plague and food debris. As pockets develop between the tooth and gum plague can more easily get under the gums and onto the bone. In chronic periodontal disease there is often an inflammation under the gumline and the gums can start to recede. As periodontal disease gets more aggressive there can be rapid detachment of the gums and bone loss. Gum treatments should be undertaken as soon as any form of gum disease is diagnosed. The earlier treatment is started the better. Our Emerson dentist office has several treatment options available to treat periodontal disease, some involving surgery and some non-surgical.
Non-surgical gum treatments are the least invasive and most cost-effective, but often are only effective on milder forms of the condition. Root scaling and planning is a careful cleaning of the root surfaces to remove plaque and tartar from deep pockets around the tooth and a smoothing of the root to remove bacterial toxins. This is often followed by administration of antimicrobials and host modulation, depending on the case. This non-surgical treatment will generally have to be maintained over time. Surgical treatments are used when the disease has progressed beyond the initial stages and the pockets have become extended or there is a loss of gum attachment or bone. There are several surgical procedures our
Emerson dentist office can perform including deep pocket reduction, crown lengthening and soft tissue grafts among others depending on your exact condition. A simple examination appointment with our office can let us evaluate the presence of periodontal disease and allow us to begin treatment before the condition worsens.
By DiBona & Scamardella Dental Studio
February 28, 2019
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