When you should have Periodontal Treatment?

Periodontitis (gum disease) is a serious infection that can destroy the soft tissue and bone that support your teeth. If left untreated, periodontitis can lead to severe consequences such as loose teeth and tooth loss.

If you notice any unusual signs in your gums, it is time to learn about periodontal treatment options. Join the experts at Sydney Dental Vietnam to explore the details in the article below.

1. What are the warning signs that you need periodontal treatment?

Healthy gums are typically pale pink, firm, and fit snugly around the base of your teeth. However, when bacteria attack, your gums will show alarming symptoms. According to the Australian Dental Association (ADA Australia) [insert link], these are the common signs of periodontal disease that you should not ignore:

• Swollen, puffy, dark red, or purplish gums: This is a sign of inflammation.
• Abnormal gum bleeding: Especially when brushing or flossing. If your toothbrush is frequently stained with blood, this is a clear sign.
• Persistent bad breath (halitosis): The bacteria that cause periodontal disease produce unpleasant-smelling sulfur compounds.
• Receding gums, making teeth appear longer: You may notice “black triangles” appearing between your teeth.
• Pus between your teeth and gums.
• Loose teeth or a change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite.
• Pain or discomfort when chewing.

Note from a Sydney Dental Expert: Many patients tend to ignore bleeding gums, assuming it is normal. However, this is the earliest sign of gum disease. Seeking a dental check-up as soon as you notice this symptom can make the treatment process much simpler and more effective.

2. What Causes Periodontal diseases?

Plaque usually initiates the development of periodontitis. Plaque is a sticky covering made largely of bacteria. If plaque is not treated, it may eventually lead to periodontitis as follows:

• When typical oral bacteria combine with the carbohydrates and sugars in meals, plaque is created on your teeth. Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day helps to reduce plaque, but it comes back quickly.
• If plaque remains on your teeth, it can become tartar behind your gum line. The longer plaque and tartar remain on your teeth, the more harm they can inflict since they are packed with bacteria.
• Plaque can cause gingivitis, the mildest form of gum disease.
• Gum irritation and swelling, as well as chronic inflammation, can all lead to periodontitis.

3. When Is Periodontal Treatment Necessary?

3.1. White or red gums

It is most likely required to treat periodontitis (called treatment for periodontal disease) when a person notices red or white areas or stains on their gums. Moreover, non-pink soft tissues are alarming and should be checked out by a general dentist right away.

3.2. Swelling or inflammation

Furthermore, inflamed or swollen gums typically signify that periodontal disease has to be treated. When gum disease shows up as swollen or protruding gums, it is never in a healthy stage.

3.3. Abnormal Gum Bleeding

Periodically bleeding gums when brushing or flossing is normal. But excessive bleeding in the gingiva is a strange symptom. If there is any unexpected bleeding, periodontal disease treatment should be followed symptoms appear.

4. What kinds of periodontal treatment?

If you are found to have periodontitis, several different therapies could be recommended. Almost all dentists would recommend trying non-surgical therapy initially unless your periodontitis is substantially advanced.

4.1. Root planing and scaling

Scaling and root planing is essentially a deep cleaning of your gums and teeth with the goal of removing any plaque or tartar that has penetrated your gums and led to periodontal disease.

The germs on the tooth’s surface and in the periodontal pockets are eliminated during scaling. Following that, the root surfaces are polished and any contaminated tooth structure is removed. This step in the process is called planning.

4.2. Antibiotics

Our dentist may suggest an antibiotic regimen for you after the contaminated tissue has been removed in order to treat any infections that may have spread to other parts of your body.

4.3. Bite guard

Wearing a bite guard at night might help reduce the stress that periodontal disease places on your teeth and gums, according to some dentists. You could reduce your risk of developing periodontitis by doing this.

4.4. Crown elongation

Patients should be prepared for their dentist to reconstruct the gum line by removing any infected tissue. Because this surgery exposes more of the teeth, individuals with especially “gummy” grins are frequently advised to have it done as a cosmetic operation.

4.5. Surgery for pocket reduction

Periodontal pockets are the tiny holes that exist between teeth and gums. Bacteria thrive in these areas, causing periodontal disease. Large periodontal pockets sometimes require root cleaning and planing in addition.

By reducing these pockets, our dentist can reduce the likelihood that you may develop periodontitis in the future.

5. The stages of Periodontal Treatment

Periodontal therapy at Sydney Dental Vietnam consists of three steps: diagnosis, treatment, and maintenance. All three of these processes are included in periodontal treatment, albeit the exact sequence varies according on the patient.

5.1. Identification

The necessity of being checked up every six months is illustrated in the first stage. Without regular dental checkups, it is difficult to get a prompt diagnosis, which is especially important in the case of periodontitis.

Our dentist will measure the spaces between your teeth and gums to see if you have periodontitis. Inflammation, tooth loss, and deep pockets are signs of periodontitis. Additionally, our dentist in your neighborhood will take an X-ray of your mouth to evaluate the condition of the teeth below your gums and jawbone.

5.2. Treatment

Once the diagnosis has been made, your dentist can begin your treatment. If you are at risk for gum disease, your dentist may do scaling and root planing in addition to the professional cleaning you typically receive during your examination to smooth your teeth and clean behind your gums. It reduces the space where microorganisms may grow.

The event that you already have periodontitis, surgical therapy is needed. The gums are cleansed and sutured back into position during flap surgery. If the bone is shattered, you will also need a bone transplant, and if any tissues are missing, you could need a tissue graft.

5.3. Maintenance

Maintenance is the final phase. It halts the progression of periodontitis treatment. For your dentist to regularly clean and assess the condition of your gums, you will need to visit the office more often than normal. In addition, our dentist will offer you further advice on how to maintain better dental hygiene.

6. Teeth care after Periodontal Treatment

• Try to stay away from extremely cold beverages, meals, and spicy foods for as least a few days following the scaling and root planing procedures.
• Before the effects of your local anaesthetic wear off, take an over-the-counter analgesic such ibuprofen. If you have any gum discomfort later on, you can continue using the same medicine. Please refer to the product labels for dosing recommendations.
• After a full day, you can rinse as often as you like with warm salt water. To make a rinse solution, mix 1/4 teaspoon table salt and 1/4 teaspoon baking soda in a cup of warm water. This may help calm any gum tissue that may be sore following the root planing operation.
• To encourage the best possible recovery following surgical treatment or scaling and root planing, it’s critical to maintain excellent plaque management.
• You may also use your clean fingertips to give the treated regions a little massage. This will facilitate healing and improve circulation.
• Long-term maintenance: After your “deep cleaning,” you will still need to schedule routine hygiene maintenance visits, which should take place every three to four months. This is so that we can try to remove any deposits and stop them from aggravating the gums more.

7. Conclusion

Your dentist may recommend a medication or mouthwash to help you recover, manage pain, or avoid infection. Additionally, your dentist could put medication—subantimicrobial-dose doxycycline—straight into the cleansed pocket.

In order to assess the healing of your gums and determine the depth of your pockets, your dentist will arrange for a follow-up appointment. Further periodontal treatment could be required if they have become deeper.

Maintaining proper oral hygiene at home is crucial to preventing gum disease from becoming worse or from coming back. Eat a balanced diet, refrain from smoking, clean in between your teeth twice a day, wash your teeth twice a day with a soft brush, and visit your dentist on a regular basis.

If you still have any questions related to periodontal treatment. Please contact our Sydney Dental Vietnam for scheduling a consultation and more.

SYDNEY DENTAL CLINIC VN

Address: Villa no.21, Riverview 6, Vinhomes Golden River, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, HCMC, Vietnam.

Hotline: (+84) 90 271 42 53

Website: https://sydneytopdental.com/