Periodontal disease is gum disease that ranges from gingivitis to periodontitis. It is important that you see your dentist and get treatment as soon as possible, or it can worsen and cause many issues with your gums and teeth. Here are some different treatments that are available. 

Scaling and Root Planing

This is often the first treatment done if you are found to have any stage of periodontal disease. It allows the dentist to remove all tartar and plaque from the tooth surfaces, both above and below the gumline. Different tools are using for this treatment, including a basic metal scraping tool for the surface of the tooth and beneath the gumline, along with new ultrasonic devices. These devices are great for removing large chunks of tartar, which is common for people with a severe form of periodontal disease. It removes it quickly and easily, and with less discomfort to you.

Tray Delivery System

Your dentist may also recommend tray delivery system treatment. This is done when you need additional medications to help treat your periodontal disease. It is more commonly done with severe periodontitis as opposed to gingivitis. A custom tray is first made that fits over your teeth, similar to a mouth guard. This tray is filled with medication, which is delivered to your teeth and gums when you wear the trays.

Bite Therapy

If your teeth have moved and it is affecting your bite, the dentist might also use occlusal bite therapy. This is recommended when the bite has changed dramatically and is causing issues like grinding or clenching your bite. It can also help with teeth that are still loose in your mouth. There are many different treatments involved in bite therapy, including adjusting your bite with orthodontic treatment, cold laser therapy, replacing tooth restorations, and replacing some of your damaged teeth.

Surgical Treatments

Your dentist or periodontist will recommend non-surgical treatments first, though depending on the severity, you might also need some surgical treatments. For example, if you need to have some of your teeth extracted due to being loose or severe decayed from the disease, you will need to get dental implants or other tooth replacement options. Gum tissue regeneration procedures may be needed to encourage more growth of gum tissue that has deteriorated from severe periodontal disease.

Speak to a dentist if you think you might have gum disease and want to discuss the different treatments.