Gum disease is a serious issue in the United States. Many people have it. While most are mild cases, they can become more serious if not treated and lead to tissue damage and tooth loss. Most cases of gum disease can be reversed if treated in time, making these outcomes largely avoidable.
The best way to treat gum disease early on is through a professional dental cleaning. By thoroughly removing plaque from your teeth, you are ridding yourself of the cause of gum disease. It may be necessary to come in more than twice yearly in some cases.
Sometimes more serious treatments may be necessary, such as scaling and root planing. A scaling treatment involves Dr. Olson or Dr. Morgan cleaning away tartar and plaque that has accumulated below the gum line. In a root planing, rough places where plaque can develop on a tooth’s root are smoothed out to avoid plaque accumulation. The treatment uses anesthesia.
If the gum disease has progressed too far, you may need a periodontal specialist to perform treatments such as a tissue surgery or bone graft surgery.
Gum disease is preventable if you practice regular oral hygiene. By brushing and flossing you will prevent the plaque buildup that causes gum disease. For more information on the prevention and treatment of gum disease, call Pipestone Dental Center in Pipestone, Minnesota today.