Gum Disease Treatment Wareham MA

Protecting your teeth and gums are essential. Hence, with good oral hygiene, regular cleanings and dental exams, you can keep your natural teeth for life. However, you need to take proper care of not only your teeth but the surrounding areas, such as the gums and tooth-supporting bone. If you don’t, you can develop a bacterial infection called gum disease. Your dentist can help you look for signs of trouble and recommend periodontal therapy if needed.

In short, the goal of periodontal therapy is to restore diseased tissues to health. If left untreated, gum disease can spread to the bone that supports the teeth and even lead to tooth loss in the most severe cases.  Fortunately, peridontal therapy can help prevent this. It can take on many forms, which are discussed in detail below.

Treatment Options

Your dentist will use periodontal therapy to restore the health of your teeth, gums and other tissues. Likewise, this may involve both surgical and non-surgical techniques, such as the following.

• Scaling and Root Planing. Your dentist will start with scaling and root planing to deep clean your teeth. This involved removing plaque and tartar from beneath the gum tissues with various tools.
• Periodontal Laser Treatment. Lasers may be used to remove diseased gum tissue. When compared with traditional gum surgery, lasers are more comfortable and result in less gum shrinkage.
• Crown Lengthening Surgery. Crown lengthening is often used to make a smile less gummy. This surgery exposes more of the bone tissue, which can also be helpful in placing a new dental crown.
• Gum Grafting. If you have lost gum tissue, gum grafting may be used to protect your teeth. This is done by taking healthy gum tissue from one part of the mouth and moving it to another. Lab-processed donor tissue can also be used.
• Periodontal Plastic Surgery. This type of plastic surgery refers to any reshaping procedure that enhances the appearance of the gum tissues.
• Dental Implants. Dental implants can be used to replace missing teeth. The implant is placed into the jawbone and is then attached to a dental crown that is visible above the gum line. Dental implants are very effective and look and function just like real teeth.

Your Role in Periodontal Health

You have an important role in preventing periodontal disease. With proper brushing and flossing on a daily basis, you can remove plaque that can damage your teeth and gums. 

However, it’s impossible to remove all the plaque on your teeth. For this reason, schedule professional cleanings every six months. Your dentist can check your mouth for signs of gum disease and other oral health issues. 

Also, avoid eating too much sugar and do not use alcohol. These tips will keep your gums healthy for a long time.

Contact Us Today

Maintaining optimal periodontal health is so important for your mouth and the rest of your body. The dentists at Wareham Family Dental can advise you of proper oral hygiene and healthy eating habits to keep your teeth and gums healthy for life. Schedule a consultation today by calling (508) 295-7476.