Gum therapy also known as periodontal therapy, refers to treatments and procedures aimed at preventing, managing, and treating gum disease (periodontal disease). Gum disease is an infection of the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth, caused by a buildup of plaque bacteria on the teeth. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to receding gums, bone loss around teeth, loose teeth, and eventual tooth loss. Thus, gum therapy plays a crucial role in maintaining good oral health.
Common Gum Problems Addressed by Gum Therapy
Gingivitis - This is the early and milder stage of gum disease, where gums become inflamed and may bleed during brushing. Gingivitis is reversible with proper plaque removal and improved oral hygiene.
Periodontitis - This indicates advanced gum disease, where plaque spreads below the gumline causing the gums to detach from the teeth. Periodontitis leads to irreversible bone loss without treatment.
Other issues like gum recession, bumps on gums, and swollen/sore gums can also warrant gum therapy.
Goals of Gum Therapy
The primary goals of gum therapy are to:
- Remove bacterial plaque: Bacteria in plaque are responsible for gum infection. Effective plaque removal is key.
- Reduce gum inflammation: Treating inflamed gums helps them heal and regrow to hug the teeth firmly again.
- Grow back lost bone: Regenerating lost bone support around teeth provides stability.
- Limit additional bone & attachment loss: Preventing further progression of gum disease.
- Treat other defects: Management of problems like gum recession.
- Maintain results: Gum therapy should be followed by life-long proper oral care.
Common Gum Treatments
Professional Dental Cleaning: Removal of plaque and tartar above and below the gumline. Done using scalers and curettes.
Scaling & Root Planing: Deep cleaning below the gums to smooth root surfaces and promote healing.
- Medications: Antibacterial mouthwashes like chlorhexidine may be prescribed to control bacteria.
- Laser Therapy: Lasers help reduce inflammation and bacterial counts. Enhances healing.
- Gum Grafts: Surgical grafts to replace lost gum tissues, cover exposed roots, and reattach gums.
- Bone Grafts: Bone grafts through tissues or synthetic bone materials to fill in bone defects.
- Tissue Regeneration: Techniques to regenerate bone and gum attachment around teeth.
- Occlusal Adjustment: Modifying bite to ensure teeth meet properly and reduce excess force on teeth.
Recommendations After Gum Therapy
After gum treatment, following the dentist's homecare instructions is vital for optimal results. Recommendations may include:
- Maintain excellent oral hygiene by brushing twice and flossing once daily. Use antibacterial mouthwash.
- Rinse with warm salt water to promote healing post-treatment.
- Take prescribed antibiotics or pain medications only as directed.
- Avoid tobacco as it impedes healing. Limit alcohol which dries the mouth.
- Attend follow-up appointments for professional cleaning and monitoring.
- Get any defective restorations replaced with that trap plaque.
- Use special brushes, irrigators, or other aids if recommended.
- Adopt a low-sugar diet and limit acidic drinks that corrode teeth.
The Pros of Gum Therapy
When gum therapy is performed correctly and followed up properly, it can:
- Resolve inflammation and gum bleeding
- Shrink swollen gums back to normal contours
- Cover exposed root surfaces to protect from decay
- Fill in areas of lost bone around teeth
- Strengthen teeth to function well for decades
- Save severely compromised teeth from extraction
- Restore the attractive pink color of healthy gums
- Reduce the incidence of heart disease linked to gum disease
- Improve systemic health, as poor oral health affects overall health
- Boost self-confidence and quality of life through an improved smile
Conclusion
Gum therapy encompasses the gold standard treatments and prevention for gum disease. While professional procedures are needed to manage active gum infections, patient compliance with homecare and maintenance therapy is key for long-term success. With proper gum therapy, most cases of gum disease can be effectively treated for lifelong good oral health.
