Gum Disease Treatment: Effective Solutions for Healthier Gums and Smiles
Gum disease is the number one reason for tooth loss in adults. This infection damages the bone and soft tissue surrounding teeth. Left untreated, it can advance to periodontitis.
Gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease treatment Raleigh NC, is 100% reversible if treated early.
Regular teeth brushing and flossing eliminate most of the bacteria causing gingivitis. However, bacteria can remain in tiny spaces between the teeth and gums. These pockets are difficult to clean with regular brushing.
Scaling & Root Planing
Generally considered to be the "gold standard" treatment for chronic periodontal disease, teeth scaling and root planing dramatically reduces gum pocket depth. These procedures remove bacteria, biofilm and hardened plaque (tartar) that brushing and flossing can't reach. In addition, they smooth the tooth's root surface to prevent future bacteria colonies from forming.
During the earliest stage of gum disease, gingivitis, plaque bacteria inflame and irritate the gum tissue. Eventually the bacterial infection spreads below the gum line to attack and destroy the bone and ligament that hold teeth in place. Periodontitis results when the bacteria invade these tissues, causing them to recede from the teeth and form pockets that harbor additional bacteria.
Scaling and root planning is a non-surgical, deep cleaning procedure that is performed with a dental hygienist using hand scalers and/or an ultrasonic scaling tool. Local anesthetic may be applied prior to this procedure for your comfort. Following the procedure, chewing will likely be somewhat uncomfortable for a short time; you should eat soft foods until this resolves.
Antibiotics
Our mouths are teeming with bacteria that combine with saliva, fluids and food to create a colorless sticky coating on the teeth known as plaque. If not consistently removed through brushing, flossing and professional dental cleanings, plaque can harden into tartar which can erode the gum tissue and jawbone that support your teeth, ultimately leading to tooth loss.
Antibiotics are a key element to a periodontal care plan, providing targeted therapy to help prevent serious infection and promote healing while supporting overall gum wellness. We offer several antibiotic treatments including oral forms, as well as topical gels that are applied directly to the gum pockets.
Tetracycline antibiotics, such as tetracycline hydrochloride, doxycycline and minocycline, are the primary drugs used in periodontal treatment to destroy existing bacteria, reduce inflammation and block collagenase (a protein that breaks down the tissue). This helps restore gum health and halts disease progression. Another popular option is Arestin(r), a powdered medication that is directly applied to the gum pockets and slowly releases the antibiotic, minocycline.
Tissue Regeneration
Gum disease starts out as gingivitis, a mild form of inflammation that can be treated and reversed with consistent brushing and flossing. However, if gum disease treatment Raleigh NC goes untreated it can progress to periodontitis, in which bacteria infect the soft tissue and bones that hold your teeth in place. This infection can then spread to your bloodstream, straining your immune system overall. Extensive research shows that there is a link between this infection and heart disease, stroke, respiratory illness, diabetes, and even infertility.
Tissue regeneration is the body’s ability to regenerate and replace damaged tissues. This is facilitated by stem cells, which are self-renewing and have the unique ability to differentiate into specialized cell types for repair. In addition, immune cells such as macrophages and T cells play an essential role by clearing debris and orchestrating the healing response.
One method for regenerating dentin and pulpal tissue involves transplanting endogenous stem cells into the tooth. This process is called cell-to-tooth transplantation, but it has many problems: cellular survival, high cost, rejection of the implant by the host tissue, pathogen transmission, and tumorigenesis [51, 52]. Cell homing therapy addresses these issues by using bioactive scaffolds that recruit and induce endogenous stem cells to an area of injury [53]. This technique uses dissolvable membranes and bone particles that are placed under your gums.
Pocket Elimination Surgery
Deep periodontal pockets can harbor harmful bacteria that contribute to gum disease. Left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to bone loss that compromises the stability of your teeth. Pocket reduction surgery eliminates bacteria and tartar from the tooth roots and reshapes the bone around the teeth to prevent further damage.
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia. If necessary, oral or intravenous sedation can be provided at the patient’s request to ensure comfort throughout treatment.
A periodontist, who is a specialist in treating gum diseases and other oral inflammations, performs pocket reduction surgery. Known as osseous surgery, this treatment reduces bacteria that can attack and destroy teeth and supporting bone. It also encourages gum tissue to reattach to the teeth and heal. The best way to protect against recurring infection after pocket reduction surgery is through regular dental checkups and proper oral hygiene practices. Patients should also stick to soft foods to avoid irritating the surgical site.