While you might feel embarrassed to learn that you have periodontal disease, one important thing to remember is that you’re hardly alone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it’s estimated that nearly half of all Americans have some form of periodontitis, whether it’s of the mild, moderate or severe. Furthermore, over 70 percent of Americans 65 and up have some form of periodontal disease.

gum disease

Yes, you’re not alone if you’ve been diagnosed with periodontal, or gum disease. However, the treatment that you can expect to receive after initial diagnosis greatly varies based on the severity of it. Mild cases of the disease may only consist of gum inflammation, but more severe cases of the disease can cause damage to the soft tissue that supports the teeth, leading to tooth loss.

Here’s a closer look at what to expect after you’ve been diagnosed with periodontal disease:

After Diagnosis

If periodontal disease becomes too advanced, it can’t necessarily be corrected. However, it can be controlled. As we mentioned, treatment options vary greatly depending on how severe the case of periodontal disease is. Here’s a look at some treatment options:

  • Deep Cleaning: Scaling and root planting is a common treatment following diagnosis. It consists of scraping away tartar buildup from above and below the gum line as well as removing spots on the tooth where germs gather.
  • Medications: Prescription mouth rinses, antiseptics and oral antibiotics are all common medications that are prescribed along with the scaling and root cleaning deep cleaning procedure. These medications help minimize bacteria in the mouth and eliminate infection.
  • Surgery: There are two main types of surgeries that dentists often administer in more dire cases of periodontal disease: flap surgery and bone and tissue grafts. The former, flap surgery, consists of lifting back the gums and removing tartar. Following the procedure, the gums are stitched back around the tooth to fit snugly. Bone and tissue grafts is normally administered on patients who have experienced bone loss as a means of regenerating absent tissue. Surgery is generally an option only after a deep cleaning has been considered unsuccessful in managing the condition.

In any case, a diagnosis of periodontal disease may require patients to see the dentist more frequently than the recommended every six months standard. Dentists may also refer patients to periodontists if the condition is more severe.

What’s the best way to prevent periodontal disease? It’s simply to not ignore your oral health. Practice good oral habits at home of brushing at least twice per day, flossing at least once per day, and see your dentist every six months. At these intervals, dentists will be able to catch small problems before they become big ones, often being able to treat and reverse early signs of gum inflammation before it turns into something far more serious.

For more information on periodontal disease, treating it and how to prevent it, contact Kanehl Dental today.