Cause and Treatment of Gum Disease
Gum disease is the term used to describe a group of conditions affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. These conditions include Gingivitis and Periodontitis. Such conditions can cause inflamed gums, for them to become quite red in colour or to bleed easily. Others can be more severe, affecting the bone and tissue that hold teeth in place.
The ultimate cause of gum disease is dental plaque. This is a sticky, white or pale-yellow film, which contains bacteria and constantly builds up on your teeth. Dental plaque can accumulate both above and below the gum line. It can also harden into a rough, porous substance known as calculus (or tartar).
How We Treat Gum Disease
The first stage of treatment will involve a review of your current oral hygiene techniques. It will be important that you have the right tools and techniques to effectively remove dental plaque. This forms an essential first step in establishing and maintaining the long-term health of your teeth and gums.
The treatment of gum disease involves the removal of plaque and calculus from the teeth, both above and below the gum line. This can be achieved with or without surgical treatment.
In line with research findings, many forms of gum disease may be treated without surgery. This is usually the first line of treatment. Non-surgical treatment generally involves numbing of the area and removal of the plaque and calculus above and below the gum line. This is referred to as scaling and root planing.
In many patients, non-surgical treatment will be all that is required to manage their periodontal disease. However, surgical treatment may also be required in more advanced cases. Periodontal surgery may improve access to difficult-to-reach bacteria and can also help to improve the underlying anatomy or help regenerate lost bone.
Regardless of whether non-surgical or surgical treatment is received, it is absolutely essential that long-term professional maintenance care be received.
Gum disease treatment options offered by our respected and experienced team include:
- Traditional Scaling and Root Planing – deep cleaning to treat gum disease (periodontitis) by removing plaque, tartar, and bacteria from above and below the gum line;
- LANAP® Laser Gum Treatment – laser-based treatment for gum disease, which requires no cutting or suturing; and
- Periodontal Maintenance Care
When individuals seek professional gum disease treatments, Melbourne patients have turned to Kew Periodontics and Dental Implants for almost 20 years.
To learn more about our available gum disease treatments, please call 03 9853 7700 to speak with one of our friendly treatment co-ordinators.