Experts estimate that gum disease affects almost 800 million people worldwide, making it one of the most prevalent health conditions worldwide. Of course, no matter how common this condition is, the effects are nothing to laugh at!
If you’re worried you might be experiencing the symptoms of this condition, it’s important to know your gum disease treatment options. How can you tell when you need to visit a dentist in Port Coquitlam for deep cleaning? Read on to learn what you should expect from your treatment plan.
What Is Gum Disease?
Before we jump into treatment options, how can you tell whether or not you’re showing signs of gum disease at all?
Gum disease is an infection in the soft tissues of your mouth. It happens when plaque turns into tartar, which in turn allows bacteria to attack your teeth and gums.
There are two types of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is the mildest form of this disease, and it happens when bacterial growth in your mouth causes gum inflammation. Periodontal disease, on the other hand, is a more severe condition in which your gums begin to pull away from your teeth.
Common gum disease symptoms include red, swollen, or bleeding gums as well as bad breath or a foul taste in your mouth. More severe symptoms include a receding gum line and even loose teeth.
What Kind of Gum Disease Treatment Do I Need?
If you have gum disease, your dentist will offer a treatment plan based on the severity of your condition. In the very early stages, a general dental cleaning may be all you need.
However, patients who have more severe gum disease may need scaling and root planing to get rid of plaque and tartar. This is what we call a “deep cleaning,” and it helps remove heavy layers of plaque from your teeth.
For some patients, a deep cleaning may not be enough. If you are in extreme pain, you may also need to start a regimen of antibiotics to remove the infection. In some cases, you may need to undergo oral surgery to remove diseased gum tissue or repair damage to your teeth.
What Happens During a Deep Cleaning for Gum Disease?
A deep cleaning is a non-surgical procedure, but you’ll still receive a local anesthetic for it.
The “scaling” part of this procedure is a technique that pulls hardened plaque and tartar from under your gum line. Afterward, your dentist will begin “root planing,” which helps to smooth the roots of your gums. This ensures that your gums reattach to your teeth.
In some cases, you may need more than one deep cleaning session to remove hardened tartar deposits from your mouth. You may experience gum swelling or tenderness afterward, but following your dentist’s aftercare instructions can help.
Visit a Dentist in Port Coquitlam for Gum Disease Treatment
If you believe you have gingivitis or periodontitis, it’s time to reach out to a dentist in Port Coquitlam for gum disease treatment. Our expert dentists at Prime Dental can diagnose your symptoms and lay out a treatment plan to remove the infection fast. To learn more about how we can help, or to request an appointment, contact us today.