Over half of the adults living in America are experiencing gum disease in some form. Whether occurring in its earliest stages (gingivitis) or progressing into more damaging territory (periodontitis), the effects of this oral health problem can be extensive. If you are one of the many patients who worries about the potential for bleeding and inflamed tissues, don’t delay in talking to your periodontist. In fact, here are four questions to ask about gum disease so that you can ensure a healthier smile in the future.
Are Follow-Up Appointments Necessary?
When suffering from gum disease and undergoing treatment, it is essential that you commit to the various follow-up appointments recommended by your periodontist. These will ensure that the disease is not reoccurring and that your gums continue to heal and improve over time.
Severe periodontitis can often require regular appointments that are more frequent than the general six-month checkup. Instead, you can expect to visit your dentist’s office every 3-4 months.
By committing to these appointments, you’ll remain proactive in minimizing further risk of infection, which will allow your teeth and gums to thrive each year.
What Kind of Technology is Used to Treat Gum Disease?
While many dentists and periodontists continue to use traditional methods and techniques to eliminate bad bacteria, more professionals are turning to advanced technologies to make the process easier and more comfortable for patients.
One of the most innovative ways to target bacteria and treat periodontal disease is with a soft tissue laser. This method of treatment is an ideal alternative to surgery, as its concentrated beam of light focuses on the infected tissue, ridding your mouth of harmful plaque and leaving healthy tissues alone.
The laser also cauterizes the tissue so that sutures are not required. As a result, this minimizes the bleeding and swelling and reduces the time spent in recovery following treatment.
Do You Offer Sedation?
Because many patients may be fearful of undergoing gum disease treatment, it can be helpful to know whether your periodontist offers sedation dentistry. Whether it is nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, or IV sedation, these methods of treatment can help to ease nerves and calm any anxiety.
What Tooth Replacement Solutions Are Available if Gum Disease is Too Advanced?
Although it may not be necessary to remove a tooth as a result of gum disease, it can happen. If this is your reality, you can expect that your periodontist will go over which tooth replacement solution might be right for you.
The most common options include dental bridges, dentures, or dental implants, with the latter being the most popular. Using titanium posts that fuse with the existing jawbone, your smile can remain firmly in place for decades if you choose permanent prosthetics.
Talking to your periodontist before starting treatment will help you to feel more comfortable and confident as you work toward a healthier smile. Once you know how they plan to improve your gums, you’ll feel more at ease about the future of your oral health.
About Grand Dental – Naperville
At Grand Dental – Naperville, we are pleased to have a board-certified periodontist on staff. Capable of treating all kinds of gum disease, we can ensure that patients who have inflamed or bleeding gums receive the highest quality care available. Whether in the form of scaling and root planing or laser periodontal therapy, our team will ensure safety and comfort before beginning any treatment. Visit our website or call us at (630) 576-9970 to learn how we can help.