Welcome to this comprehensive guide on treating gum disease. As a periodontist, I have seen many patients suffering from this condition, and I can attest that it is not to be taken lightly. Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a widespread oral health issue that affects people globally. It is caused by the build-up of plaque on the teeth, leading to inflammation and infection of the gums. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss, bone damage, and other health problems.
Fortunately, there are two main types of treatments for gum disease: non-surgical and surgical. In this article, we will compare these two treatments to help you decide which one is right for you. The primary goal of any gum disease treatment is to reduce gum pocket depths to 4mm or less.
Non-Surgical Treatments for Gum Disease
Non-surgical treatments for gum disease are usually the first line of defence against this condition. These treatments are effective in treating early stages of gum disease, such as gingivitis and mild/moderate periodontitis. (See our articles on treatment costs and risks/benefits of gum disease treatments). Here are some common non-surgical treatments for gum disease:
Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning procedure that removes plaque and tartar from below the gum line. It is typically done using a combination of hand instruments and ultrasonic devices. While it can be uncomfortable, it is generally considered a very effective treatment for gum disease. Local anaesthetics are highly effective in dealing with any discomfort.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics be prescribed to treat bacterial infections that cause gum disease. In some cases, antibiotics in combination with deep cleaning are effective at achieving the goal of treatment. We typically prescribe either a combination of amoxicillin and metronidazole (for one week) or azithromycin (for three days). If antibiotics are used, the whole mouth’s deep cleaning must be completed within one week.
Laser
The use of various types of lasers has been advocated for the management of periodontitis. The rationale for their use lies in the difficulty of fully removing all the bacteria from the infected roots. Typically, like antibiotics, they are used after deep cleaning to improve gum reattachment and therefore gum pocket depth reduction.
Lifestyle Changes
Making changes to your lifestyle is crucial in treating gum disease. This includes quitting smoking, using interdental brushes, electric toothbrushes, and improving your diet. These changes can help reduce inflammation in the mouth and promote healing.
Surgical Treatments for Gum Disease
If non-surgical treatments are not effective in treating gum disease, surgical treatments may be required. Here are some common surgical treatments for gum disease:
Flap Surgery
Flap surgery is a procedure that involves lifting the gums to remove tartar and bacteria from the roots of the teeth. The gums are then repositioned to fit snugly around the teeth. Flap surgery can be effective in treating moderate to severe gum disease. There are two types:
- Open flap debridement (OFD). This is for very advanced gum disease where the aim is to remove all the bacteria under the gum but not to reduce the gum pockets. As a result, this option results in much less gum recession than pocket reduction surgery below.
- Pocket reduction surgery (PRS): this is for very advanced gum disease where the aim is to remove all the bacteria under the gum and reduce gum pockets. As a result, this option results in much more gum recession than OFD but it is far more effective in stabilising the gum disease. We perform PRS far more frequently than OFD because OFD is only indicated where the teeth afford a hopeless long-term prognosis.
Bone Grafts
Bone grafts may be required if gum disease has caused significant bone loss around the teeth. This procedure involves taking bone from another part of the body, such as the hip, and transplanting it into the jawbone. This can help regenerate bone and support the teeth.
Guided Tissue Regeneration
Guided tissue regeneration is a procedure that involves placing a small piece of mesh-like material between the gum tissue and bone. This material helps stimulate the growth of new bone and gum tissue.
Which Treatment Is Right for You?
The severity of your gum disease determines which treatment is right for you. If you have mild to moderate gum disease, non-surgical treatments may be effective. However, if you have severe gum disease, surgical treatments may be required.
Periodontal Maintenance.
This is the most important aspect yet it is least discussed. Seeing an experienced dental hygienist or dental therapist every 3 months is much more important than the type of treatment. Irrespective of the treatment type, it is really important that you see a clinician who uses tried and tested techniques whose results have lasted over 20– 30 years.
As a dentist, I have seen many patients benefit from both non-surgical and surgical treatments for gum disease. In my experience, the key to success is early detection and prompt treatment. So, if you’re experiencing symptoms of gum disease, don’t delay – make an appointment with your dentist today. Remember, good oral health is essential for your overall health and well-being.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both non-surgical and surgical treatments can be effective in treating gum disease. Non-surgical treatments are typically the first line of defence against gum disease, while surgical treatments are reserved for more severe cases. Ultimately, the best treatment for you will depend on the severity of your gum disease and other individual factors. Be sure to consult with your dentist to determine the best course of action for your oral health.
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Here are some frequently asked questions
- What are the non-surgical treatments for gum disease? Non-surgical treatments for gum disease include scaling and root planing, antibiotics, and lifestyle changes.
- How effective are non-surgical treatments for gum disease? Non-surgical treatments can be very effective in treating early stages of gum disease, such as gingivitis. However, if gum disease has progressed to a more severe stage, surgical treatments may be necessary.
- What are the surgical treatments for gum disease? Surgical treatments for gum disease include flap surgery, bone grafts, and guided tissue regeneration.
- Are surgical treatments for gum disease painful? Most surgical treatments for gum disease are done under local anesthesia, which means that you shouldn’t feel any pain during the procedure. However, you may experience some discomfort and swelling after the surgery.
- How long does it take to recover from gum surgery? The recovery time from gum surgery can vary depending on the type of surgery and the severity of the gum disease. In general, it can take several weeks to fully recover from gum surgery.
- How can I prevent gum disease from returning after treatment? Preventing gum disease from returning after treatment involves maintaining good oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing regularly, quitting smoking, and visiting your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings. Your dentist may also recommend using an antibacterial mouthwash or making dietary changes to help prevent the recurrence of gum disease.