Gum Treatment Options in Toronto for Periodontal Disease

There are serval stages of periodontal disease, and where you are on that scale when you begin treatment will determine the course of gum treatment you require. From non-surgical options to full regenerative procedures, no smile is a lost cause, however addressing gum disease at the first sign of symptoms can significantly reduce the time and cost of treatment.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the first stage of early periodontal disease. Signs that it is time for you to seek out treatment are red swollen gums, bleeding while brushing, sensitive teeth, persistent bad breath, and gums that are beginning to recede. Treatment options for gingivitis are typically non-surgical and recovery is quick. Gingivitis is most commonly treated with a deep cleaning of the teeth that goes below the gum line, all the way to the root of the tooth. This process is referred to as scaling and root planing, and it is relatively painless, although gums may be a little tender after treatment. In more advanced cases, multiple treatments may be required.

Periodontitis

Gum disease is sneaky and left untreated can progress through the stages extremely quickly, as bacteria continues to multiply and build. Early periodontitis is recognizable by red or purple swollen gums that are tender, gums that bleed easily during brushing, a receding gum line, loose teeth or even lost teeth, visible pus between teeth and along the gum line, and bad breath. In the earliest stages of periodontitis, your periodontist will begin with a thorough cleaning, including root planing and scaling. If the pockets that have formed between the tooth and gums are small enough and easily accessible, you may be able to avoid surgical options through the adoption of a good oral hygiene regime.

If the pockets are too large to be properly cleaned and the gums are not fitting snuggly enough around the tooth, your periodontist may recommend flap surgery (pocket reduction surgery). This surgical procedure involves cutting back a portion of the gum to expose the tooth and root for more effective cleaning, before stitching the gums back into place.

Advanced Periodontitis

For more advanced cases of periodontitis, gum treatment options may require one or multiple surgeries to correct. In addition to flap reduction surgery to clear out all the bacteria build up and infected tissue, you may also require soft tissue grafts to help restore some of the lost gum tissue and to protect your tooth, bone grafts to help restore bone structure in areas where bacteria may cause bone degeneration.

Addressing potential periodontitis early significantly reduces the potential for requiring surgical treatments, however a little maintenance is worth twice its weight in treatment. Good oral hygiene is the only way to continue to maintain healthy teeth and gums, brush twice a day, floss daily, and schedule regular dental checkups to avoid unnecessary gum treatment in Toronto.