Non-Surgical Gum Treatment: Pros and Cons
- Dec 10 2022
Your mouth contains bacteria typically removed daily as you brush and floss your teeth. However, if your mouth is not adequately cleaned of bacteria, this can cause a gum infection called gingivitis and if left untreated, will lead to bone destruction which is called periodontal disease. Treatments for this disease range from non-surgical to invasive surgical procedures, each with pros and cons.
If periodontal disease is left untreated, it can spread to other areas of the oral cavity and cause you to lose your teeth. Your dentist may recommend surgical procedures to treat the problem, but it’s best to explore your options, including non-surgical gum treatment.
Signs of Gum Disease
When the oral cavity is improperly cared for, bacteria lingers, causing plaque to develop on the teeth. When plaque isn’t removed, it contributes to the early stages of gum disease. Signs of gum disease include:
- Bleeding gums after brushing or flossing
- Red, sore, swollen gums
- Continuous bad breath (halitosis)
- Receding gum tissue
- Unbearable toothaches
- Loose or missing teeth
If you are a smoker or have diabetes, you are at higher risk of developing gum disease.
Non-Surgical Periodontal Treatment
The main objective of any treatment is to flush out the bacteria inside the gum “pockets” to limit and prevent further destruction of the tissues and bones. Although the dentist performs the treatment to restore healthy tissues, you must be willing to improve your personal oral health standards.
If your dentist has diagnosed you with gum disease, you may be treated in their office or referred to a periodontist who specializes in treating gum diseases. Either dentist may recommend non-surgical periodontal treatment.
Non-surgical treatments do not involve cutting into the gums or removing any tissue. Instead, the tissues remain intact, and your dentist will promote your recovery after the infection is treated.
Benefits of Non-Surgical Gum Treatment
There are many non-surgical approaches to treating periodontal disease, including:
- Antibiotics and antimicrobials
- Scaling and root planing
- Tray delivery systems
- Laser treatment to remove necrotic tissues
Here are some of the benefits you may receive from these treatment options:
Stops the Spread of Gum Disease
If you have gum disease, one of the most important things to accomplish is stopping the spread of the disease. Without early-stage non-surgical treatment, the chances of losing your teeth increase.
With early intervention, your dentist can stop the infection from spreading further, allowing them to restore your gums without going through a surgical procedure.
Painless Procedures
Many patients fear the pain associated with dental procedures, not the treatment itself. However, most non-surgical periodontal therapy is relatively pain-free. Many methods are simple enough to complete in one or two visits.
Properly Cleaned Teeth
A critical part of periodontal treatment is to remove all plaque, calculus, and bacteria from your teeth. Non-surgical periodontal treatment methods clean under the gumline and root to ensure every area of your tooth is thoroughly cleaned.
Clean, smooth tooth surfaces make it more difficult for bacteria to collect, helping your gums recover more quickly and restoring them to a healthy state.
Limitations of Non-Surgical Gum Treatment
Although non-surgical treatment is often the first approach to treating gum disease, there are limitations to its success. There is always the risk of the condition reoccurring and the patient not successfully maintaining deep periodontal pockets. Like any treatment for any disease, non-surgical gum treatment is also limited by the operator’s skill.
Other risks associated with treating gum disease depend on which course of treatment your dentist recommends. However, they are all generally low-risk and safe procedures.
Get an Early Intervention
If you’re concerned about the status of your gum tissues, schedule an appointment with Payam Cohen, D.D.S, P.C. in Queens, NY. We’ll recommend any necessary treatment and get you on the path to a healthy smile.
Categories: General Dentistry