Are Gum Disease Treatments Considered Routine Dental Procedures

Are Gum Disease Treatments Considered Routine Dental Procedures from Fort Lee Family Dental in Fort Lee, NJThere 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 Fort Lee, NJ.

    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 Fort Lee Family Dental at 201-620-9772 for an appointment in our Fort Lee office.

    Recent Posts

    What To Expect During A Dental Exam

    Catching issues with the teeth or gums early on is essential for mitigating the amount of damage sustained, which is why scheduling a regular dental exam is so important. From identifying signs of gum disease and tooth decay to discovering problematic abnormalities, dentists use the knowledge gleaned from regular examinations to develop any necessary treatment…

    Routine Dental Procedures Can Keep A Smile Healthy

    We use routine dental procedures during our appointments to ensure that a patient maintains healthy teeth. You can keep oral hygiene habits at home but will need professional cleaning at least twice a year.Routine Dental ProceduresAt Fort Lee Family Dental in Fort Lee, we work to customize your treatment to match your needs and schedule…

    What Full Mouth Dental Implants Are

    Full mouth dental implants are an option that many patients choose when they need to replace their missing teeth. Our smile is the first impression we have when meeting a new person. We all want that impression to be warm and welcoming. When our smile is somewhat imperfect, we tend to lack confidence and feel…

Recent Posts

What Full Mouth Dental Implants Are

What Full Mouth Dental Implants Are

Full mouth dental implants are an option that many patients choose when they need to replace their missing teeth. Our smile is the first impression we have when meeting a new person. We all want that impression to be warm and welcoming. When our smile is somewhat imperfect, we tend to lack confidence and feel…

Preventative Dental Care: Important Oral Hygiene Daily Routines

Preventative Dental Care: Important Oral Hygiene Daily Routines

Oral hygiene is a vital part of your preventative dental care. Achieving and maintaining good oral hygiene can be difficult, but the effort pays off in the form of healthier teeth and gums and reducing tooth decay. In this article, we'll discuss how to maintain good oral health through daily routines that help keep your…