Gum Disease Treatment

Gum Disease Treatment

Gum Disease Treatment in Greater St. Louis. Come see our team at John Martin & Associates today for more information about gum disease treatments near you. You can contact our team and call our gum disease treatment specialists at (314) 739-1222 for our Maryland Heights location or (573) 764-2425 for our Gerald office. John Martin and Associates is a local dentist that is here for patients that need help.

Gum Disease Treatment and Prevention in St. Louis, MO

Gum disease and periodontal disease treatment are essential for gum and tooth help. Problems may range from mild gingivitis, characterized by redness and swelling of the gums, to more severe forms like periodontitis, which can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. Periodontal specialists offer a variety of treatments tailored to the stage of the disease, including deep cleanings (scaling and root planing), surgical interventions, and maintenance therapies to control infection and promote gum health. Early detection and treatment through periodontal services are crucial to preserving the integrity of your teeth and preventing the progression of the disease, which is why regular dental checkups and good oral hygiene are key components of any periodontal care plan.

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common condition that affects the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth. It is usually caused by poor oral hygiene, which leads to plaque buildup. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss and other serious health issues.

Non-Surgical Treatments

From self-care to regular checkups, there are a number of things patients can do to treat and ultimately prevent gum disease.

Regular Dental Cleaning

• Scaling and Root Planing: This is a deep-cleaning procedure performed under local anesthesia. Scaling removes tartar and bacteria from the tooth surfaces and beneath the gums. Root planing smooths the root surfaces, discouraging further buildup of tartar and bacteria.
• Antibiotics: Topical or oral antibiotics can help control bacterial infection. Topical antibiotics include mouth rinses or gels inserted between the teeth and gums or into the pockets after deep cleaning.

Medication

• Antibiotic Gels: Applied to gum pockets after deep cleaning to reduce pocket size and kill bacteria.
• Antiseptic Chips: Tiny gelatin chips that are filled with medication placed in gum pockets after scaling and root planing.
• Oral Antibiotics : Prescribed to treat persistent gum infections.

Surgical Treatments

• Flap Surgery (Pocket Reduction Surgery): The gums are lifted back, and the tartar is removed. In some cases, irregular surfaces of the damaged bone are smoothed to limit areas where disease-causing bacteria can hide. The gums are then placed so that the tissue fits snugly around the tooth.
• Dentist Bone Grafting St. Louis : Used to replace bone destroyed by periodontitis. The grafts can be made from your own bone, donated bone, or synthetic bone. The grafts serve as a platform for the regrowth of bone, which restores stability to teeth.
• Soft Tissue Grafts: This reinforces thin gums or fills in places where gums have receded. The grafted tissue, often taken from the roof of the mouth, is stitched in place, adding tissue to the affected area.
• Guided Tissue Generation: This allows the regrowth of bone that was destroyed by bacteria. A small piece of mesh-like fabric is inserted between the bone and gum tissue, keeping the gum tissue from growing into the area where the bone should be, allowing the bone and connective tissue to regrow.
• Bone Surgery: Bone around the tooth is reshaped to decrease craters. This makes it harder for bacteria to collect and grow.

Preventetive Measures

• Oral Hygiene: Maintaining proper oral hygiene is crucial in preventing gum disease and ensuring overall oral health. Regular brushing, at least twice a day, with fluoride toothpaste helps remove food particles and plaque—a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth. It's essential to brush thoroughly, making sure to reach all surfaces of the teeth, including along the gum line, where plaque tends to accumulate. In addition to brushing, daily flossing is vital. Flossing removes plaque and food particles from between the teeth and under the gum line—areas that your toothbrush can't reach, which are particularly susceptible to gum disease and cavities. Using an antiseptic mouthwash can further enhance your oral hygiene routine by reducing plaque and bacteria that contribute to gum disease, helping to keep your gums healthy and your breath fresh. Together, these practices form a comprehensive approach to oral care, significantly reducing the risk of gum disease and promoting long-term dental health.
• Regular Dental Checkups: Regular dental checkups, ideally every six months, play a critical role in maintaining optimal oral health and preventing the progression of gum disease. During these visits, professional cleanings are performed to remove plaque and tartar that may have accumulated, even with diligent at-home care. These cleanings are essential because tartar, a hardened form of plaque, can only be removed by dental professionals. Additionally, routine checkups allow your dentist to monitor the health of your teeth and gums, identifying any early signs of gum disease, cavities, or other oral health issues before they become more severe. Early detection is key to preventing more extensive, costly treatments in the future. Regular visits also provide an opportunity for your dentist to offer personalized advice on your oral hygiene routine, ensuring that you're doing everything possible to maintain a healthy mouth. By staying consistent with dental checkups, you can help protect your smile and overall health.
• Lifestyle Changes: Making key lifestyle changes is essential in the prevention and management of gum disease. One of the most significant steps you can take is quitting smoking, as tobacco use is a major risk factor for the development of gum disease. Smoking weakens the immune system, making it harder for your body to fight off a gum infection, and it also slows down the healing process after any treatment. In addition to quitting smoking, managing underlying health conditions, such as diabetes, is crucial. Diabetes can exacerbate gum problems because high blood sugar levels can contribute to increased plaque buildup and reduced blood flow to the gums, making them more susceptible to infection and slower to heal. By addressing these lifestyle factors, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing gum disease and improve the effectiveness of any treatments you may undergo, leading to better overall oral health.

Gum Disease Treatments in St. Louis, MO

If your teeth are causing you pain or discomfort, or if you are interested in teeth implants, Martin Dental & Associates offers a comprehensive range of dentistry services designed to address your specific needs. This includes:

Gum disease treatment by John Martin & Associates offers real solutions to real problems. Known for comfort and communication, our team is here to prevent and treat gum diseases in the St. Louis area. Call our Maryland Heights office at (314) 739-1222 or (573) 764-2425 for our Gerald office to schedule an appointment to discuss teeth implants. You can also contact our team online for information about gum disease treatment.