Few people realize just how prevalent gum disease is in the U.S. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly half of all American adults suffer from it. The good news is that, if treated early, you can restore your oral health and even reverse some of the affects that it has brought on your teeth and gums.
Stop Gum Disease with a Simple Cleaning
If you are able to recognize the signs of gum disease early enough, your periodontist can typically treat it with a deep cleaning. This involves two methods known as scaling and root planning. Scaling is accomplished by simply scraping off any tarter buildup that has accumulated above and below your gum line. Your provider will then search for spots on the roots of your teeth where the bacteria that contributes to gum disease tends to gather, and remove any pockets of germs that are found there.
Gum Recession Treatment Options
Failing to catch gum disease before it has a chance to take hold in your mouth can eventually result in gum recession. As your gums recede, the roots of your teeth are further exposed to bacteria, which can hasten the spread of your gum disease. There are, however, a number of treatment options to halt the progression of gum recession. These include:
• Pocket depth reduction: Your gum tissue is folded back to allow the bacteria underneath to be treated, after which sutures are used to re-position your gums and reduce the depths of your periodontal pockets, which restricts the space bacteria has to gather.
• Soft tissue grafts: Your periodontist takes tissue from other areas of your mouth and grafts it into your existing gum tissue to extend your gum line.
• Tissue regeneration: Graft tissue membranes are placed over your existing gum tissue in order to begin regrowth following a pocket depth reduction.
Whether you are in need of standard gum disease treatment in Gainesville, VA, or your condition has progressed into gum recession, there is still time to help get you back to enjoying a healthy smile. Dr. Kharmouche, along with Drs. Hardison, can offer you a wide array of treatments to address either condition. To discuss which may be right for you, call and schedule a consultation appointment today.
