Several stages of gum disease exist, and each impacts your oral and overall health. Depending on the severity of the case and the patient's response to treatment, the dentist's options for treating advanced gum disease called periodontitis can vary depending on the situation. Every stage past the first stage of gum disease will do irreversible damage. Treatment beyond this point focuses on stopping the problem from progressing and protecting your smile from tooth loss.
Advanced Periodontitis Treatment Options
Scaling and Root Planing
The dentist can numb the affected area where plaque build-up is significant, and the gum line is receding. By this point, the bacteria has worked its way into the gums, which will turn into tartar. This can cause the gum numerous issues, eventually resulting in the gum dying back and potentially tooth loss.
To stop it from getting worse and damaging more of the patient's gums, the hygienist will gently remove tartar from below the gumline. By smoothing the root, it encourages the gums to reattach.
Pocket Reductions
A pocket reduction may be necessary if there is tartar build-up under your gums, causing the tissue to come away from the tooth. Your hygienist will sometimes use medication along with a deeper style of dental cleaning to remove tartar and bacteria.
Ignoring gum disease means it will likely worsen. Eventually, the progression of bacteria can kill the gums and expose bone, cause teeth to fall out, enter your bloodstream and compromise the immune system.
Schedule an Exam with Our Dentist in Bridgeton, MO!
If you're suffering from advanced gum disease and are considering action, contact us at (314) 291-9000 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Kevin Burgdorf, DDS. We offer judgment-free dentistry. If you're seeking treatment for the advanced stages of gum disease or simply want to start taking better care of your smile, we welcome you to get in touch.