Are Gum Disease Treatments Considered Routine Dental Procedures

There are many routine dental procedures patients typically experience annually. The most common elements of dental checkups include X-rays and a cleaning. However, what happens if there is a problem with the gums? Even the most diligent patient may sometimes miss the early warning signs of gum disease. In this case, the dentist may perform further treatments that go beyond what is traditionally included in the scope of normal preventative care. Take a look at how dentists spot gum disease and some of the ways it is treated.

What is gum disease?

The gums are responsible for molding around teeth, covering the roots and ensuring that everything stays where it should. When bacteria penetrate the gums, it can compromise this tissue. Gingivitis is the common term dentists use to describe the precursor to gum disease. At this stage, the gums appear red and inflamed around the teeth. A dentist can usually help treat gingivitis through increased cleanings and office visits. Periodontitis is when the condition deteriorates. This is considered gum disease. Periodontal treatments with a practitioner who has a concentrated practice in this issue may be warranted.

What routine dental procedures treat gum disease?

Brushing, flossing and cleanings with a hygenist can help stop the progression of gingivitis to gum disease. However, in some instances, these routine procedures do not work and advanced treatment is necessary. People who go too long before getting treatment for gum disease may lose teeth if the tissue around them is compromised beyond repair. Some advanced treatments may be warranted depending on how the disease has developed.

Non-surgical treatment

Aside from usual tooth cleaning, dentists may step the cleanings up to help rid the gums of the bacteria infecting them. Scaling and planing is a method used to perform a much deeper cleaning of the mouth, with a concentration on the gum line and below it. The dental professional focuses on removing thicker layers of tartar and plaque from around and under the gum line. The dentist or hygenist may also then take the time to smooth out areas of the teeth that are pitted or uneven, either from bacterial intrusion or plaque and tartar build-up. This helps to discourage future bacterial growth in the grooves of these teeth.

Surgical intervention

Some cases of gum disease may require a more aggressive approach. Surgery is one option that some patients may consider, especially if the gums are in bad shape. According to WebMD, there are five common surgical procedures that can help restore the gums and fend off tooth loss:

  1. Bone graft
  2. Pocket/flap reduction
  3. Tissue regeneration
  4. Bone surgery
  5. Tissue grafts
  6. All of these procedures generally include thorough cleanings under the gum lines and, in some cases, a transplanting of bone from one area to another.

    Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Routine Dental Procedures in Torrance, CA.

    Conclusion

    Keeping gums healthy is a top priority of routine dental procedures. Dentists want to help patients ensure that the mouth is healthy enough to sustain the teeth for many years ahead.

    Request an appointment or call SmileWell Family Dentistry at 310-904-6375 for an appointment in our Torrance office.

    Recent Posts

    Understanding Routine Dental Procedures

    Routine dental procedures typically refer to common procedures that general dentists perform in order to maintain or better their patients' oral health. There is a lot of information to know and have an understanding of when it comes to routine dental procedures. For example, having a clear idea of what is considered one can be…

    Options For Replacing A Single Missing Tooth

    Do you have a missing tooth? There are various options for restoring a single missing tooth instead of several missing teeth. Read on to learn about your options. You can make the best selection for your situation if you know all the available options for replacing a lost tooth.Although leaving the lost tooth unreplaced is…

    3 Options For Replacing Missing Teeth To Avoid Shifting Teeth

    Are you looking into your options for replacing missing teeth? Fortunately, there are various options for replacing missing teeth. This article covers these options, including their benefits and drawbacks. Replacing missing teeth after a tooth extraction is important for bone health since tooth loss results in a loss of bone density. Also, failing to get…

SmileWell Family Dentistry

Share
Published by
SmileWell Family Dentistry

Recent Posts

Options for Replacing a Single Missing Tooth

Do you have a missing tooth? There are various options for restoring a single missing…

1 day ago

3 Options for Replacing Missing Teeth To Avoid Shifting Teeth

Are you looking into your options for replacing missing teeth? Fortunately, there are various options…

1 week ago

Wisdom Teeth Extraction: What to Expect Before, During, and After

Wisdom teeth extraction is a common dental procedure that helps prevent problems with impacted or…

2 weeks ago

Options for Replacing Missing Teeth from Sports Injuries

Participating in sports is a fun and healthy hobby, but it can lead patients to…

2 weeks ago

Implant Supported Full Bridge – An Option for Replacing Missing Teeth

When searching for the most suitable option for replacing missing teeth, you might have come…

4 weeks ago

How Implant Crowns Can Restore Your Smile

Missing teeth can make chewing, speaking, and even smiling difficult. Implant crowns are a long-lasting…

4 weeks ago