Although most people think of cavities and fillings when going to the Family dentist Huntsville AL, gum disease is another common problem presented by many patients. Without treatment for gum disease, patients risk having to suffer with pain and the eventual loss of gum tissue and the teeth above it. That is why it is very important to get treatment from the dentist for gum disease when diagnosed with this condition.
The early stages of gum disease is quite treatable by the family dentist Huntsville AL. In general, the dentist will recommend that patients get more than the two recommended cleanings per year. Most people with gum disease will need to get three or four cleanings per year. In addition, the dentist may recommend a deep cleaning in one or more quadrants of the mouth. A deep cleaning involves the dentist or hygienist cleaning the area below the gum line. Anesthetic injections are needed in order to perform a deep cleaning. The injections are similar to the ones that are needed when patients get fillings.
If the gum disease cannot be successfully treated with more frequent regular dental cleanings and deep cleanings, it may be necessary for the patient to get gum surgery. This is when it may not be possible to restore the gum tissue to normal. Instead, the goal is to stop the progression of the disease. With gum surgery, deep pockets between the teeth and the gum tissue is surgically closed so that plaque and bacteria cannot build up in the gum tissue. In most instances, a referral by the family dentist to a periodontist is required due to the specialized knowledge and skills needed with gum surgery. Fortunately, gum surgery is fairly easy for patients to recover from. This surgery does not require hospitalization. Most patients can return to work shortly after the procedure has been completed. A liquid diet will be required for several days after the gum surgery.
Although gum surgery can be quite successful, it is best for patients to get this disease treated as early as possible. If gum tissue recedes, it may not be possible to restore it. That is why prevention and early treatment by the family dentist is best when it comes to dealing with gum disease.
