According to the CDC, periodontitis is the most common form of gum disease in the U.S., affecting around one-fourth of all adults. Although it can be hard to avoid, there are ways to help prevent its onset and promote dental health by maintaining a good oral hygiene routine. It is always better to consult a Fishers, IN dentist as soon as you identify symptoms.
There are numerous types of periodontal disease, each of which is caused by bacteria and inflammation. Types that do not involve bacteria and inflammation include trauma to the teeth, gum recession, and tooth loss. The most common forms of periodontal disease are periodontitis, gingivitis, and periodontosis. Gingivitis is the earliest form of periodontal disease. It is caused by plaque building up on the gums, disrupting the flow of nutrients and oxygen to the gums. If left untreated, inflammation can cause significant damage to the gums and eventually tooth loss.
Let us now see into different types of periodontal treatments available for you in Fishers, Indiana.
- Periodontal prophylaxis
Periodontal prophylaxis is a type of treatment that helps to remove plaque, tartar, and also calculus from the root surfaces in preparation for a tooth restoration procedure. It may be performed as an add-on to your restorative process or it could be an integral part of your restorative work. Prophylactic procedures help to reduce gum disease and prevent permanent damage from occurring.
- Scaling and root planing
The scaling and root planing procedure is the one most commonly used for periodontal treatment. It involves the removal of plaque and tartar from the root surface. Scaling is used to remove plaque from above the gum line, while root planing is used to smooth out rough spots on the root surfaces below the gum line. Root planing is performed with a rotating instrument (usually an ultrasonic scaler) that is used to level the edges of affected root surfaces. This type of treatment helps to remove the bacteria below the gum line and restore the health of your gums.
- Periodontal surgical care
Periodontal surgical care is a more advanced form of periodontal treatment. It involves the removal of diseased gum tissue followed by the placement of different types of dental implants and crowns that allows the patient to have a full set of teeth, or at least enough to chew. Surgical care helps to secure your teeth, as well as help prevent gum tissue from moving.
