Gum disease is a serious problem that can cause discomfort and even tooth loss if you are not careful. Your teeth need to be cleaned because they will develop plaque over time. However, a regular cleaning is often not enough.

There are many surgical treatments that can be used to resolve gum disease. However, you will want to first try the non-surgical methods before you are forced to turn to surgery. Non-surgical methods of gum disease treatment are non-invasive, making them less likely to have complications.

Dental Cleaning

A thorough and professional dental cleaning can sometimes stop gum disease before it progresses to the point of requiring surgery. With a professional treatment, the tartar and plaque will be removed from your teeth. If the condition of your teeth is particularly bad, your dentist may even recommend that you have your teeth cleaned more than twice a year.

The dental cleaning is usually performed first with an ultrasonic tool that shakes the plaque and other debris off your teeth. This device also uses a cooling mist to remove the debris from your teeth. After a large portion of the tartar has been removed, the dentist proceeds to use fine hand tools to remove the harder-to-reach deposits.

Next, the teeth will need to be polished. This is done by using a handpiece that has a soft rubber cup and spins. A gritty, toothpaste-like material facilitates the polishing process. Finally, the dentist will apply fluoride to create a protective coating that will reduce the risk of gum disease in the future.

Scaling and Root Planing

Another non-surgical method is scaling and root planing. This is a more intense cleaning process that will require that you be placed under a local anesthetic. Then, the plaque and tartar located beneath the gumline can be scraped away through scaling. The rough parts of the tooth can be smoothed out through the process of planing.

Surgery Is Sometimes Necessary

If gum disease has progressed to the point where it has destroyed your bone, you will need to have the bone replaced with synthetic or donated material. If your gums have become too thin, you may need a soft tissue graft to reinforce thin gums and to fill in the areas where your gums have receded. Otherwise, the root of your teeth will become exposed and will be vulnerable. Another way to grow gum tissue and bone back is through guided tissue regeneration.

Speak with experts like Wyoming Dental Specialties for more information.