A periodontitis treatment has two main goals: to stop the inflammation and to maintain the tissue supporting the teeth permanently. With an early diagnosis, essential dental therapy is often enough to bring the swelling to a halt. If the disease has progressed further or if primary treatment isn’t working, additional surgical intervention is required. In both cases, the patient needs permanent follow-up care by the Family Dentist in Cary Il.
Phase 1: The basics
One prerequisite is that the visible tooth surfaces are free of plaque and the patient follows a strict cleaning regimen. Only then is there a chance of success, and the actual treatment to remove the inflammation can begin. With local anesthesia, the family dentist in Cary, IL first cleans the gum pockets with hand instruments to remove soft and hard deposits.
In the next step, the surfaces of the tooth roots are smoothed down. This makes it difficult to re-attach the harmful bacteria. Usually, necessary therapy is enough to stop the inflammation. In case of severe or very aggressive gum disease, the dentist may suggest antibiotics. They are generally taken as tablets but, in some cases, the dentist will place a gel or ointment directly into the periodontal pocket.
Phase 2: Surgical procedures
Surgical interventions are required if there are particularly deep gingival pockets, or if the essential therapy has not led to any improvement. They can also serve to rebuild lost tissue. If the diseased gum pockets are unusually thick and inaccessible, the dentist will open them in a minor surgical procedure under local anesthesia. He or she exposes the root surfaces, which allows them to better recognize and eliminate deeper deposits.
Phase 3: The aftercare
Periodontitis is a chronic disease. Anyone who has had it will need long-term follow-up care. People will need consistent oral hygiene, check-ups by the dentist and regular professional teeth cleaning – if necessary, several times a year.
Unlike the crown of the tooth, the gums are not protected by a hard enamel layer. They are, therefore, sensitive and particularly prone to tooth decay. For all phases of therapy, their long-term success depends heavily on the cooperation of the patient. Visit Cary Dental Associates LLC for more information.