Gum disease, also called periodontitis, is widely common, yet many patients fail to book a dental appointment on time. Early diagnosis and treatment can reverse gum disease effectively, and even if periodontitis has advanced, there are procedures to fix the concerns. In this post, we will discuss the stages of periodontitis, symptoms, treatments, and when you should see a dentist in Wantagh, NY.
Symptoms of gum disease
Proper oral hygiene habits go a long way in preventing gum diseases. If you brush and floss at least twice a day and go for regular dental cleanings and checkups, you can keep your teeth and gums healthy. There are some telltale signs of gum disease, such as inflammation, reddish gums, bleeding, and tenderness. Patients with periodontitis also have consistent bad breath. In advanced stages, there can be other signs, including gum recession, gaps between the teeth, loose teeth, and pain while chewing. In the long run, periodontitis can cause severe concerns and lead to tooth loss. Poor oral hygiene is the foremost cause of periodontitis. However, there are other contributing factors, such as smoking, genetics, and medical conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. If you smoke, recovery is likely to be harder.
Stages of periodontitis
The first stage of gum disease is called gingivitis, and the typical symptoms include redness and swelling. The next stage is called mild periodontitis, where the gums pull away from teeth, causing pockets that allow bacteria to thrive. You may notice signs like bleeding gums. Moderate periodontitis is the stage where there is more bone loss, and as a result, gum tissues are sore and tender. If not treated, this can advance into severe periodontitis, which often leads to loosening of teeth, gum infections, and chronic bad breadth.
What is the treatment for periodontitis?
After your dentist makes a diagnosis, they will talk about treatment depending on the severity of gum disease. There are both surgical and non-surgical ways to treat periodontitis. In the initial stages, dental cleaning, scaling, and root planing are usually recommended. Scaling and root cleaning are deep cleaning procedures done under local anesthesia, and your dentist will clean the area beyond the gumline and smoothen the tooth roots. For moderate to severe periodontitis, surgical procedures are often necessary. The first one is called flap surgery, or pocket reduction surgery, which requires lifting the gum tissues away from teeth to clean and treat the affected areas. If a patient has lost significant bone density, a bone graft may be necessary. For issues like gum recession, a gum grafting procedure is helpful.
Ask the right questions
If your dentist confirms you have gum disease, you must ask relevant questions. Firstly, understand the extent and severity of your condition. Ask whether you have bone loss and what various treatment options are available. You should also check if you can avoid surgical procedures. Other things that you must know about are the number of appointments you need, the recovery time, and how often you should return for periodic dental cleanings.
Selecting a dental clinic in Wantagh
Most dental practices in the city now have websites where you can find details of the treatments and procedures. Select a clinic that’s close to your home or is well-located, and call the office to know whether they offer care for periodontitis. You can also enquire about the dentist’s experience and qualifications. It is almost impossible to know a dentist in Wantagh until you visit them, and the best approach is to schedule an appointment. A good dentist offering periodontitis treatment should educate and inform you about the best ways to keep your teeth and gums in good health.
