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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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 San Francisco, CA.
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 Gregory Zabek Advanced General & Cosmetic Dentistry at 415-362-1102 for an appointment in our San Francisco office.
Losing a tooth can feel like something you simply have to accept. Maybe it happened because of an accident, decay, gum disease, or years of wear. Whatever the reason, one missing tooth can affect more than just your smile.A gap can make chewing less comfortable, change how your remaining teeth come together, and make you…
A little tooth sensitivity can happen from time to time. Maybe a sip of ice-cold water makes your teeth tingle, or a bite of something sweet causes a quick sensation that disappears almost immediately.But there’s a difference between temporary sensitivity and persistent dental pain.If a tooth continues to hurt, the discomfort keeps coming back, or…
September is all about getting back into a routine. Summer travel winds down, schedules become more predictable, and those good habits that may have slipped during vacation season start making their way back into the calendar.Your smile deserves a reset, too.Fall is an ideal time to take stock of your oral health, catch up on…