Advanced Gum Disease Treatment

There are several types of advanced gum disease, also called periodontitis. The most common types are aggressive, chronic, necrotizing and periodontitis caused by systemic disease.

Treatments for advanced gum diseases are more invasive and intensive than those for milder forms.

Antibiotics

Systemic or local antibiotics may be used to treat advance gum diseases. Local antibiotics for advanced cases are usually used in conjunction with root planing, flap surgery or scaling.
Antibiotics are placed below the gum line in a variety of forms, including gel, chip, capsule or strips. They continually release medicine below the gums, which gives the tissue a longer time frame for healing and repairing itself.
Oral antibiotics are generally used before surgery to help lower bacteria levels in the mouth and the body in general.

Scaling and Planing

Scaling is a procedure that removes toxins, plaque, tartar and dentin that is rough from around and under the gum line. If there are pockets in the gums caused by gum disease, scaling will also clean inside of them.

Root planing removes spots of plaque or bacterial collection from the roots of the teeth. Dr. Dan Peterson describes root planing as a procedure that "...involves smoothing the root surfaces of your teeth with thin curettes so gum tissue can more firmly reattach to roots that are clean and smooth to prevent tooth loss and sensitivity problems. The procedure makes it more difficult for plaque to accumulate along the root surfaces."

Flap Surgery

Flap surgery is a procedure where the dental professional pulls back the gums and removes the tartar and any other debris from the lower tooth and root. Then the gums are stitched back in place so they are firmly against the teeth.

Grafts

Bone and tissue grafts replace destroyed gum, connective or bone tissue. These procedures also promote new tissue growth to connect the grafted tissue to the structures that were already present. This helps strengthen and create a stronger foundation for the teeth and gums that were harmed by gum disease.

Prevention/Solutions

Good oral hygiene is the best prevention for all periodontal gum diseases. Brushing at least twice and flossing once daily are the minimum preventative measures recommended by dental health professionals. Regular visits with a dentist get rid of plaque and tartar that are missed with daily brushing and flossing.

References

• Periodontal Disease Facts
• Overview of Treatments
• Dr. Dan Peterson Information on Treatments