Periodontal diseases are the results of infections and inflammation of the gums and bone that surround and support the teeth. The early stage is called gingivitis, and if it progresses without treatment, its more serious form is called periodontitis.

Gingivitis can be treated with good oral hygiene and regular professional cleaning. The more severe forms can also be successfully treated, but require more extensive solutions. Treatments can include deep cleaning of the tooth root surfaces below the gums, medications taken by mouth or placed directly under the gums, and sometimes corrective surgery. Any type of treatment will require that the patient practice good daily care at home. Your dentist may also suggest changing certain behaviors, like quitting smoking to improve treatment results.

What To Expect After Treatment

Following periodontal scaling and root planing, you can expect the area to be sore and tender. Swelling, bleeding, and discomfort may occur depending on the level of treatment and the location in the mouth. It is also common after the treatment that you may experience sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweets. This is all normal. It is important that the treated area be kept plaque free and thorough brushing, flossing, and other plaque control rinses be used. If this treated area is not kept clean, it may become infected or not heal properly.

In more severe cases, if periodontal surgery is necessary, it is usually a painless procedure. A local anesthetic is used to numb the treatment area completely. If surgery is limited to a single quadrant in the mouth, it is normally quick and takes about 45 minutes to perform. The objective of surgery is generally to eliminate pockets, regenerate attachment and return the patient to a more normal function and appearance.

After surgery, it is normal to have some minor bleeding, bruising, swelling, and discomfort. Your doctor will often prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection, and also the anti-inflammatory and pain medications prescribed are used to reduce the swelling and discomfort. It is also normal to experience numbness in the gums, lips, and tongue for up to 6 to 8 hours after the surgery due to the local anesthesia which is used. After your surgery, you will need to have a soft diet for approximately two weeks to minimize the trauma to the surgical sites.

Comprehensive Periodontal Care at SKS Dental

After you have been treated for gum disease, it will be important that you follow up with maintenance care. Often this includes having periodontal cleanings up to four times a year. It also consists of good oral hygiene home care; brushing twice a day, and cleaning between your teeth once a day. Visit SKS Dental in Arlington, and we can help you recover from periodontal diseases.