Are Gum Disease Treatments Considered Routine Dental Procedures

There are many routine dental procedures patients typically experience annually. The most common elements of dental checkups include X-rays and a cleaning. However, what happens if there is a problem with the gums? Even the most diligent patient may sometimes miss the early warning signs of gum disease. In this case, the dentist may perform further treatments that go beyond what is traditionally included in the scope of normal preventative care. Take a look at how dentists spot gum disease and some of the ways it is treated.

What is gum disease?

The gums are responsible for molding around teeth, covering the roots and ensuring that everything stays where it should. When bacteria penetrate the gums, it can compromise this tissue. Gingivitis is the common term dentists use to describe the precursor to gum disease. At this stage, the gums appear red and inflamed around the teeth. A dentist can usually help treat gingivitis through increased cleanings and office visits. Periodontitis is when the condition deteriorates. This is considered gum disease. Periodontal treatments with a practitioner who has a concentrated practice in this issue may be warranted.

What routine dental procedures treat gum disease?

Brushing, flossing and cleanings with a hygenist can help stop the progression of gingivitis to gum disease. However, in some instances, these routine procedures do not work and advanced treatment is necessary. People who go too long before getting treatment for gum disease may lose teeth if the tissue around them is compromised beyond repair. Some advanced treatments may be warranted depending on how the disease has developed.

Non-surgical treatment

Aside from usual tooth cleaning, dentists may step the cleanings up to help rid the gums of the bacteria infecting them. Scaling and planing is a method used to perform a much deeper cleaning of the mouth, with a concentration on the gum line and below it. The dental professional focuses on removing thicker layers of tartar and plaque from around and under the gum line. The dentist or hygenist may also then take the time to smooth out areas of the teeth that are pitted or uneven, either from bacterial intrusion or plaque and tartar build-up. This helps to discourage future bacterial growth in the grooves of these teeth.

Surgical intervention

Some cases of gum disease may require a more aggressive approach. Surgery is one option that some patients may consider, especially if the gums are in bad shape. According to WebMD, there are five common surgical procedures that can help restore the gums and fend off tooth loss:

  1. Bone graft
  2. Pocket/flap reduction
  3. Tissue regeneration
  4. Bone surgery
  5. Tissue grafts
  6. All of these procedures generally include thorough cleanings under the gum lines and, in some cases, a transplanting of bone from one area to another.

    Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Routine Dental Procedures in Allendale Charter Twp, MI.

    Conclusion

    Keeping gums healthy is a top priority of routine dental procedures. Dentists want to help patients ensure that the mouth is healthy enough to sustain the teeth for many years ahead.

    Request an appointment or call Grand Valley Dentistry at 616-259-6046 for an appointment in our Allendale Charter Twp office.

    Recent Posts

    5 Examples Of Routine Dental Procedures

    General dentists perform several routine dental procedures, which can refer to a number of treatments. Continue reading to learn more about what treatments are considered routine dental procedures.Outlined below are five examples of routine dental procedures commonly performed by a general dentist:Cavities are hard to avoid and they are quite common. Thankfully, a general dentist…

    How To Prepare For A General Dentistry Visit

    Visiting the dentist can be an anxiety-inducing event for many people. The biggest reason for this is that general dentistry appointments are often associated with painful procedures and a perceived loss of control as you lay back and let the dentist and dental assistant perform their duties. It might also be possible that you are…

    Clear Aligner Teeth Straightening Therapy From A Family Dentist

    For a nicer smile, clear aligners could be the right solution for you. There are other methods of straightening teeth and repairing alignment issues, but aligners have advantages. There are benefits to using aligners that other treatments cannot provide. Your dentist can answer questions and concerns you may have. It is good to understand how…

Grand Valley Dentistry

Share
Published by
Grand Valley Dentistry

Recent Posts

How To Prepare for a General Dentistry Visit

If you had a previous dentist, contact that office to have your dental records sent…

1 day ago

Clear Aligner Teeth Straightening Therapy from a Family Dentist

For a nicer smile, clear aligners could be the right solution for you.

1 week ago

Dental Implants: What a Dentist Wants You to Know

Many patients who have missing teeth consider dental implants as an option to restore the…

3 weeks ago

Periodontics and Dental Implants: How They Work Together

Overall, dental implants offer a reliable, long-lasting solution for missing teeth that can greatly improve…

3 weeks ago

Dental Implants and Osseointegration

According to the American Dental Association, dental implants are stable because the jawbone grows around…

4 weeks ago