Have you experienced bleeding gums, bad breath, or loose teeth? Your oral health is at stake. Understanding periodontal therapy and how it can help you is essential to protect your smile and health. Periodontal therapy is intended to treat disease, stop tooth loss, and aid in gum health for the long term.
If you are looking for a dentist in South Vancouver, you are already starting down the path to protecting your teeth and gums from serious problems. Seeing a professional dentist early on can help limit gum disease from continuing and keep you smiling confidently for a long time.
What is Periodontal Therapy and How Does it Work?
Periodontal therapy encompasses several treatment options to treat gum disease at a certain stage. This may involve:
- Scaling and Root Planing – a procedure that cleans plaque and tartar deposits from below the gumline
- Antibiotic therapy – an option used to reduce gum disease and an infection
- Surgery – for advanced gum disease, procedures may include flap surgery or grafts
The goal of the treatment is to restore the health of your gums and to prevent damage to the bone that supports your teeth.
How to Know If You Need Periodontal Treatment?
Signs that periodontal treatment near you may be necessary include:
- Persistent gum bleeding during brushing or flossing
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Receding gums or longer-looking teeth
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Chronic bad breath
How to Maintain Oral Health After Periodontal Treatment?
If you’ve had periodontal treatment, you must follow good oral care habits.
- Use a soft toothbrush and brush twice daily.
- Floss very gently once time day.
- Rinse your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash as your dentist tells you.
- Continue regular periodontal maintenance visits to monitor healing and prevent relapse.
- Do not use tobacco products, as this can increase the risk of gum disease.
These principles will help maintain long-lasting treatment results and continue to promote good oral health.
How Often Should You Get a Periodontal Checkup?
Patients should have their periodontal checkup scheduled based on how severe their gum disease is and if they have good oral hygiene. Most patients will benefit from a periodontal checkup every 3-6 months post-treatment. A dentist near you will check how you’re doing and any risks to update your schedule.
What Are the Long-Term Benefits of Periodontal Therapy?
Long-term benefits of periodontal care include:
- Lower chance of losing teeth
- Healthier gums and cleaner teeth
- Reduced risk of health problems like heart disease and diabetes
- Less risk of bad breath and/or other discomforts
- Improved confidence in your smile.
Ensure Long-Lasting Oral Health for Your Teeth!
Caring for your gums can be equally essential as caring for your teeth. Healthy gums mean no serious dental disease, improved dental health, and a little extra confidence. Often, the good way to protect your smile and maintain healthy gums is to book an appointment at South Hill Dentist, where we offer individualized periodontal care.
FAQs
Can children need periodontal therapy?
Gingivitis doesn’t happen often in kids, but it’s possible. Regular dental checkups and advice from a dentist can help prevent it from getting worse.
Does periodontal therapy hurt?
Most periodontal treatment is relatively comfortable, though local anaesthetic may be used for deep cleaning. There may be mild soreness after treatment, but it usually goes away in a couple of days.
Are natural remedies effective for gum disease?
Taking care of your gums at home is important, but it can’t replace professional treatment for moderate to severe gum disease.
Can what you eat affect your gums after periodontal treatment?
Eating a nutritious diet that includes leafy greens, fruits, and dairy will benefit your gum recovery and overall oral health.
Is cosmetic dental work safe after periodontal therapy?
Yes, you can get veneers or crowns after gum treatment if your gums are healthy and fully healed.