Is It Possible to Cure Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is an infection of the structures surrounding the teeth. This includes the gums, alveolar bone, and periodontal ligament. The earliest stage of periodontal disease is gingivitis, which is an infection of the lungs. In its most severe, all the tissues are involved. The good news is that it is possible to cure periodontal disease. Below are some of the aspects of periodontal disease treatment that can be expected.

Behavior Change. This is one of the first things the dentist will recommend as part of your treatment. Because plaque is the root cause of periodontal disease, it is essential that it is removed every day. For many people, this involves creating new hygiene habits like cessation of smoking, along with other lifestyle changes. Doing so will help maintain long-term periodontal health.
Calculus Removal. Aside from your daily cleaning, the dentist will also have to do a thorough cleaning of your teeth once in a while. This process of mechanical cleaning will remove calcified plaque deposits called tartar and other bacterial toxins that have penetrated the root surfaces. Aside from a dentist, a hygienist or periodontist can carry this out. This can sometimes require local anesthesia.
Evaluation. Three or four weeks after your initial therapy, the dentist will evaluate the response of your gingival tissues. In mild cases, the healing response might be good enough to deem you back into periodontal health. Your healthcare provider might recommend you several regular check-ups and cleanings to make sure that your gums are maintained in their healthy state.
Occlusal Bite Therapy. Usually, attention to the bite or any bite disorder is treated during or following initial therapy when an inflammation-free environment is already recognized. This stage of the treatment process will address issues like loose teeth, grinding, or clenching habits, and can include local grinding of some tooth surfaces or orthodontic treatment.
Surgical Therapy. In more severe cases of periodontal disease that do not respond to non-surgical therapy, surgery might be needed. There are several periodontal surgical treatments today, including the repair of soft and hard tissues and replacing missing teeth with implants. Most of these procedures are done with local anesthesia, and sometimes with intravenous sedation. This surgery aims to get rid of pockets and regenerate attachment to return the patient to normal function while providing an environment conducive to oral hygiene.

If you have periodontal disease, do not lose hope just yet. Remember that early diagnosis and treatment are essential, so get yourself checked immediately if you notice something off with your teeth. Talk to your dentist to learn more about periodontal disease and how to cure it.