Gum Disease Treatments

Gum Disease Treatments

Gum disease treatments are designed to control infection and inflammation affecting the tissues that support the teeth. Gum disease ranges from gingivitis, a reversible form of inflammation, to periodontitis, a more advanced condition that can damage the gums, periodontal ligaments, and jawbone.

Common signs include bleeding when brushing, swollen gums, redness, persistent bad breath, gum recession, tooth sensitivity, loose teeth, changes in the bite, pus around the gums, or gaps developing between teeth. Gum disease can also progress without significant pain.

Treatment begins with a periodontal assessment. The dentist or periodontist measures gum pocket depths, checks bleeding, evaluates tooth mobility, examines recession, and reviews dental X-rays for bone loss. Medical conditions, smoking, medications, pregnancy, diabetes, and family history may also be considered.

Early gingivitis may be managed with professional cleaning and improved home care. Periodontitis often requires scaling and root planing, a deep-cleaning procedure that removes plaque and hardened deposits from below the gumline and smooths contaminated root surfaces.

Antimicrobial mouth rinses, locally delivered antibiotics, or systemic medication may be used in selected cases. However, medication is usually combined with mechanical cleaning rather than used as the only treatment.

Advanced gum disease may require periodontal surgery. Options include flap surgery, bone grafting, guided tissue regeneration, soft-tissue grafting, crown lengthening, or regenerative procedures. Laser-assisted treatments may also be available, although their suitability depends on the diagnosis.

Gum recession may be treated with connective tissue grafts or other soft-tissue procedures to protect exposed roots and improve appearance. Severe bone loss may require tooth extraction and replacement planning.

Successful treatment depends heavily on long-term maintenance. Patients with periodontitis generally require more frequent professional cleaning than patients without gum disease. Smoking cessation, blood sugar control, effective brushing, and interdental cleaning are important.

Untreated periodontal disease may lead to tooth loss and may complicate dental implant treatment. Patients planning implants, veneers, crowns, or cosmetic procedures should have active gum disease treated first.

Treatment cost depends on disease severity, number of affected areas, specialist care, surgery, graft materials, imaging, and maintenance needs.