Gum disease is common among adults, especially those who have gone years without regular dental care or who have risk factors like smoking, diabetes, or poor oral hygiene. When the condition progresses beyond reversible gingivitis and becomes periodontitis, periodontal therapy from our Grandville dentist becomes essential.
Here are the treatment options that can be explored after receiving a gum disease diagnosis.
How Are You Evaluated for Gum Disease?
The first step in is a thorough exam. During this visit, we'll perform a careful gum disease evaluation to measure gum pocket depth, assess gum recession, and check for bone loss around the teeth. Dental X-rays and a physical exam help confirm an accurate diagnosis.
This information allows Dr. Klein to determine the best periodontal treatment plan. Patients with typically need professional care to remove bacteria beneath the gumline and stop the infection from progressing further. The goal of treatment for periodontitis is to control bacteria, protect remaining teeth, and support gum healing.
What Are Some Non-Surgical Gum Disease Treatments?
Periodontal surgery is not often considered until other options have been exhausted. Most patients begin with non-surgical gum disease treatments that are designed to eliminate plaque and bacteria below the gumline. The most common two-step procedure is scaling and root planing, typically referred to as a deep dental cleaning.
During the scaling and root planing procedure, we carefully remove hardened plaque and bacteria from deep gum pockets. The tooth roots are then smoothed to help the gums reattach to the teeth. This helps reduce inflammation and allows the tissue to heal.
Other non-surgical treatments may include:
- Antibiotic therapy to reduce infection
- Medicated mouth rinses to control bacteria
- Ongoing periodontal maintenance visits
These types of treatments for gum disease are part of a comprehensive strategy. When combined with improved at-home care and regular visits to our Grandville, MI, dental office, they can successfully control infection and protect the smile. For many patients, scaling and root planing along with antibacterial treatments serve as an effective approach without the need for surgery.
When Is Surgery Needed to Treat Gum Disease?
In more advanced cases, the infection may have caused deeper pockets or bone damage. When non-surgical methods alone are not enough, Dr. Klein may coordinate care with a local periodontist. These specialists focus on advanced periodontal treatment techniques that restore the health and stability of the gums and bone.
Surgical gum disease treatment options may include:
- Pocket reduction procedures
- Gum grafts to repair recession
- Bone grafts to rebuild lost bone support
These procedures are used only when necessary. Even in severe cases, the goal remains the same: eliminate infection, protect the remaining teeth, and restore oral health.
How Can I Replace Teeth After Gum Disease?
Some patients seek care after gum disease has already caused tooth loss. Fortunately, modern dentistry offers several options for replacing teeth after gum disease once the infection is under control.
We can introduce you to the following tooth replacement solutions:
- Dental implants
- A dental bridge
- Full dentures
- Partial dentures
- Full mouth rehabilitation (for extensive tooth loss)
Single-tooth implants are often the most stable option because they replace both the visible part of the tooth and its root. They can be used to replace one missing tooth or multiple, much like dental bridges.
Patients who have lost many teeth may benefit from full mouth reconstruction after successful gum disease treatment. This approach works to rebuild the smile using a combination of implants, bridges, or other restorative and cosmetic solutions.
