How Periodontists Treat Advanced Stages of Gum Disease

Gum disease might not be the hottest topic around the dinner table, but it’s something many people deal with—often without even knowing it. We’ve all heard the warnings: brush, floss, and visit the dentist regularly. But what happens when life gets in the way, and those good habits slip? Advanced gum disease, or periodontitis, can sneak up on you, causing severe issues if left untreated. Thankfully, a periodontist in Brighton is specially trained to tackle this problem head-on. 

In this blog, we’ll explore how periodontists treat advanced stages of gum disease and why you should care about your gums just as much as your pearly whites.

Understanding Advanced Gum Disease

What Is Periodontitis?

Periodontitis is the advanced stage of gum disease, where the infection has moved beyond the gums and began to affect the bones and tissues that support your teeth. If untreated, it can lead to tooth loss and other serious health problems. Periodontitis often starts as gingivitis, a mild inflammation of the gums. If gingivitis isn’t treated, it can progress to periodontitis, where the gums pull away from the teeth, forming pockets that become infected. 

Treatment Techniques: How Periodontists Tackle Gum Disease

1. Scaling and Root Planing

The first line of defence in treating advanced gum disease is often a deep cleaning procedure known as scaling and root planing. This is different from your typical dental cleaning. During this procedure, a periodontist will remove plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line (scaling) and then smooth out the roots of your teeth to help your gums reattach to your teeth (root planing).

This deep cleaning process is essential for eliminating the bacteria that cause gum disease and giving your gums a chance to heal. It’s like hitting the reset button on your oral health. Still, following up with good oral hygiene practices and regular check-ups with your periodontist in Brighton is crucial to maintaining those results.

2. Pocket Reduction Surgery

Pocket reduction surgery may be necessary in more severe cases where the gum disease has progressed significantly. This procedure is exactly what it sounds like reducing the size of the pockets that have formed between your gums and teeth.

During this surgery, a periodontist folds back the gums, removes the bacteria, and secures the gum tissue, eliminating or reducing the pockets. 

3. Bone Grafting and Regenerative Procedures

One of the more concerning aspects of advanced gum disease is the loss of bone that supports your teeth. If periodontitis has caused significant bone loss, a periodontist in Brighton may recommend bone grafting or other regenerative procedures.

Bone grafting involves taking bone from another part of your body or using synthetic bone and placing it where it has been lost. Over time, this graft will help regenerate the lost bone and stabilise your teeth. 

4. Maintenance and Follow-Up Care

Once the initial treatment is completed, ongoing maintenance is critical to preventing the recurrence of gum disease. Brighton’s periodontist will work with you to create a personalised oral hygiene plan, including more frequent cleanings, to keep your gums healthy.

Regular follow-up appointments with your periodontist are essential to monitor your progress and ensure the gum disease does not return. 

Conclusion

Advanced gum disease is a severe issue, but it’s not one you have to face alone. With the expertise of a periodontist in Brighton, you can take control of your gum health and prevent the devastating consequences of untreated periodontitis. Whether through deep cleaning, surgery, or regenerative treatments, a periodontist has the tools and techniques to restore your gums and protect your smile. So don’t wait—if you’re experiencing symptoms of gum disease, reach out to a periodontist today and take the first step towards a healthier, happier mouth.