by Malavi Sivakanesan • 3 February 2025 • 6 min read
Have you lately noticed bleeding gums or are you suffering from chronic gum inflammation? Do not ignore it, as it could be a sign of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease progresses in stages, and if not treated timely, it can even result in you losing your teeth. The key to protecting your teeth and gums is early treatment. Read on to know the best treatment options you have based on the severity of your condition.
Understanding Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is a serious gum infection that affects the tissues supporting your teeth. In the early stage, known as gingivitis, periodontal disease symptoms include swollen gums that may bleed when brushing or flossing. At this point, the damage is still reversible with proper oral care and professional cleanings.
If left untreated, gingivitis can turn into periodontal disease, where the infection spreads deeper into the gums and bone. This can lead to gum recession, loose teeth, and even loss of teeth.
Types of periodontal disease include:
- Chronic periodontal disease: This is the most common type. It causes long-term gum inflammation and slow bone loss.
- Juvenile periodontal disease: This is a rare but aggressive form that affects younger individuals. This type leads to rapid gum and bone deterioration even with good oral hygiene.
- Advanced periodontal disease: This is the most severe stage, where deep infections cause significant bone loss and loose teeth. Such cases generally require surgical treatment.
Best Treatment for Periodontal Disease
The best treatment for periodontal disease depends on its severity. Early-stage cases can be managed with non-surgical treatments, while advanced periodontal disease treatment may require surgical intervention:
Non-Surgical Treatments for Periodontal Disease
When diagnosed early, periodontal disease can be managed with non-surgical treatments. These methods focus on preventing further damage to your teeth and gums. Here are the most effective non-surgical treatments:
Periodontal Therapy
Periodontal therapy is a treatment plan designed to control gum infection and support healing. It includes medicated mouth rinses and antibiotics to fight severe infections. These methods work together to reduce inflammation and may even aid to reverse periodontal disease in its early stages.
Periodontal cleaning
Periodontal cleaning is a deep cleaning procedure that helps remove plaque and tartar buildup from below the gum line. Unlike regular dental cleanings, it involves scaling and root planing, where the dental hygienist scrapes away hardened plaque (tartar) from teeth and smooths the root surfaces.
This helps prevent bacteria from sticking and allows the gums to heal properly. Regular periodontal care and follow-up cleanings can keep gums healthy and lower the risk of serious gum problems.
Surgical Treatments for Periodontal Disease
When the periodontitis is at its severe stage then surgical procedures help restore damaged gums and bone. Some of the most effective advanced periodontal disease treatments include:
Osseous Surgery
Osseous surgery is a procedure used to treat chronic periodontal disease when deep pockets form between the gums and teeth. A periodontist makes a small incision to lift the gums, allowing for a thorough cleaning of plaque and bacteria from the roots.
Any rough or damaged bone is then smoothed out to prevent future buildup. After surgery, the gums heal more tightly around the teeth.
Dental Bone Grafts
Dental bone grafts are a procedure used to rebuild bone that has been lost due to dental periodontal disease. When gum disease progresses, it can weaken the jawbone. Such weakness can make the teeth loose, and the teeth might even fall due to the same.
A bone graft helps by placing new bone material in the affected area. It will encourage the body to regenerate lost bone and strengthen the jaw.
Guided tissue regeneration
Guided tissue regeneration also helps restore the bone lost due to periodontal disease. During the treatment, a special biocompatible membrane is placed between the bone and tooth to create space for new bone to grow. This prevents unwanted tissue from filling the area and allows the bone to regenerate properly.
Gum Grafts
Gum grafts are used to treat gum recession, which often occurs in gingivitis and periodontal disease. When gums recede, they expose the tooth roots and make them more prone to decay.
In this treatment, a periodontist takes healthy gum tissue from another part of the mouth and attaches it to the affected area, covering the exposed roots.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a treatment that helps regenerate lost bone and gum tissue by using healing factors from your own blood.
A small blood sample is taken and processed to concentrate platelets, which are rich in growth factors. This plasma is then applied to the affected area to promote faster healing and tissue regeneration.
How to Prevent Periodontal Disease?
The treatments will definitely help, but your work doesn’t end there. To keep away future damage and prevent periodontal disease, you should maintain healthy oral habits. This includes proper brushing, flossing, and having a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
Moreover, regular dental checkups are essential to detect any early signs of gum disease and keep your gums in top condition.
If you haven’t had a checkup in a long time, visit Complete Smiles. They have a highly specialised team in London and are available all 7 days a week to help you maintain a healthy smile.
Malavi Sivakanesan
Malavi Sivakanesan is the principal dentist and co-founder at Complete Smiles in Harrow, Greater London. She is responsible for establishing the Complete Smiles brand throughout the United Kingdom and Europe and has 5 successful practices under her strong leadership.