Say goodbye to periodontal disease

Say goodbye to periodontal disease

Periodontal disease is a condition that destroys the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth, including the gums, the bone that supports the teeth, the cementum that covers the root, and the periodontal ligament that attaches the tooth to the bone. If these tissues are lost, they cannot be regenerated, and the teeth may become loose or have to be removed even without any pain.

Symptoms of gum inflammation and periodontal disease include redness, swelling, bleeding, longer-looking teeth due to receding gums, loose teeth, bad breath, discomfort, irritation, and pus. Severe periodontal disease can destroy the bone and tissues that support the teeth, causing the teeth to become loose and ultimately require extraction.

Therefore, it is important to prevent and treat periodontal disease to maintain healthy teeth and gums.

Treatment steps for gum disease

The treatment for gum disease involves scaling and root planning. This process includes removing plaque and calculus above the gum line and from the root surfaces of teeth within the periodontal pocket. Root planning involves smoothing the root surfaces so that the gum tissue can reattach to the tooth, which requires several sessions and should be performed by a periodontist.

After the treatment is completed, the dentist will call the patient back for a checkup after 4-6 weeks to assess whether the condition has improved or not. If there are still deep pockets or significant bone loss, periodontal surgery may be necessary.

Patient's oral care and maintenance

Patients need to maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing their teeth regularly. It is recommended to use a toothbrush and dental floss at least once a day to remove bacteria and plaque. Patients should visit their dentist every 3-6 months for a checkup to ensure that no bacteria or plaque remains and to receive early treatment if necessary.

Postoperative instructions for gum surgery:

1. After the surgery, there may be some bleeding and a small wound. Avoid spitting or rinsing your mouth too vigorously as it may cause the bleeding to continue.

2. In case of persistent bleeding, apply an ice pack on the cheek next to the surgical site.

3. Avoid brushing the surgical area, but other areas can be brushed as usual. Rinse your mouth with mouthwash to keep the wound clean.

4. Do not poke or touch the surgical site.

5. Do not engage in heavy exercise or physical activity.

6. Avoid drinking alcohol, consuming intoxicating substances, or eating very spicy or hot foods.

7. If you experience swelling or abnormal sensations, seek immediate dental care.