How Long Does It Take To Cure Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums and surrounding tissues. It is caused by bacterial growth in the mouth. Factors contributing to gum disease include poor dental hygiene, hormonal changes, and smoking. In addition, illnesses that affect the immune system increase the risk of developing gingivitis.
Gum disease wrecks havoc in our mouths and bodies, interfering with our quality of life. For example, periodontal infections prevent you from eating. They also cause changes in the mouth that affect your smile. Fortunately, the dentist in Wall Township offers various treatments for gingivitis and periodontitis.
Gum Disease Treatment
There are two primary stages of periodontal disease near you. They are gingivitis and periodontitis. Dentists address gum infections depending on their severity. Here is what you can expect when treating periodontal disease.
- Gingivitis
This is the initial stage of gum disease that seems relatively minor because its symptoms are hardly noticeable. Gingivitis is reversible if caught early. However, if you wait too long, it develops into periodontitis. The signs include gums that bleed when you brush or floss, persistent bad breath, and changes in the color of gums. They may appear slightly darker and inflamed.
The dentist in Wall Township can help reverse gingivitis to avoid it progressing into periodontitis. Prompt and effective treatment will rid you of gingivitis in about two weeks. In addition, this expert will carry out professional dental cleanings more frequently. This will help to stave off the development of the disease.
The dentist will focus on removing the plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line of the teeth. Antibiotic treatments may be needed to eliminate the bacteria that cause the infection. Curing this gum disease also requires ongoing care at home. In addition, the dentist will recommend changes in your lifestyle habits, diet, and oral hygiene.
Proper dental hygiene is essential in reversing gingivitis. You should floss adequately every day. Use a Water Flosser instead of string floss for best results. The dentist will prescribe antibacterial toothpaste and mouthwash to reduce the infection.
Brush teeth and gums after each meal or at least twice daily. Use a toothbrush with a small head and soft end-rounded bristles. Replace your regular toothbrush with a sonic or electric oscillating toothbrush. Hold the brush at an angle to easily access the gums and apply gentle pressure when brushing. Focus on hard-to-reach areas that easily harbor bacteria and plaque.
- Periodontitis
It is a severe form of gum disease that advances from untreated gingivitis. When you have periodontitis, your gums will pull away from teeth and form deep spaces in the gums called pockets. Plaque and bacteria will accumulate in the pockets. As a result, the gums will recede, and pus will form between your teeth. You will have chronic bad breath and mouth sores.
The bacteria will eventually attack the teeth structures, making them weak. Your teeth will become loose, spaces will form between your teeth, and your bite will change. If you do not seek treatment at this stage, you will lose your teeth. Besides, the infection will spread to the bloodstream. Other health issues like heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and heart disease develop.
Treating periodontitis depends on the stage of its diagnosis. Dentists offer surgical and non-surgical treatments to restore the supportive gum tissues. The remedies also stop disease progression. This expert may carry out scaling, root planing, pocket reduction surgery, gum grafts, and bone grafting. In addition, if you have experienced tooth loss, the dentist will provide tooth restoration treatments. Dental implants will be used to restore you smile.
Periodontitis is not curable. Yet, the periodontist can reverse the damage it does to your gums and teeth. How long it takes to reclaim gum health and smile depends on the extent of the damage. The individual’s oral and overall health also determines the length of recovery. Only a dentist can determine how long it will take based on a customized periodontal therapy plan.
Slight changes in your gums may be the initial signs of periodontal disease. Prevent progression of the gum disease by scheduling an appointment with us at Susan J. Curley DDS. Contact us too for a chance to restore your smile with ideal tooth replacement options for you.