Gum disease can have far-reaching effects on your oral and overall health. Non-surgical methods of treating gum disease have become increasingly popular, offering effective solutions without invasive procedures.
While gum disease certainly shouldn’t be left untreated, the traditional, surgical methods of treatment won’t work for every patient. If this applies to you, don’t worry! There are solutions that can help you!
Why Treat Gum Disease?
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection of the gums that can progress to affect the bone supporting your teeth. Left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss, and research has linked it to various health problems like heart disease and diabetes.
Symptoms of gum disease include:
- Swollen, red, and bleeding gums
- Persistent bad breath
- Loose teeth.
Treating gum disease is crucial not only for maintaining oral health but also for protecting your overall health. And the sooner the better—once gum disease progresses into the periodontitis stage, the damage can be irreversible.
Reasons to Avoid Surgical Gum Disease Treatment
Surgical treatment for gum disease can be effective but might not be the best option for everyone. Here are some reasons patients might avoid surgical treatments:
- Fear of Surgery: Dental anxiety or fear of surgical procedures can make it difficult for patients to get the necessary treatment.
- Recovery Time: Surgical treatments often require a recovery period, which might not be feasible for everyone due to work or personal responsibilities.
- Cost: Surgical interventions can be more expensive than non-surgical options.
Non-Surgical Gum Disease Treatment Options
Non-surgical gum disease treatments focus on controlling the infection and restoring gum health without surgery. Some of the options include:
- Scaling and Root Planing: This deep-cleaning, non-surgical procedure involves removing plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line. Root planing smooths rough spots on the tooth root where germs gather, helping to remove bacteria that contribute to the disease.
- Antibiotics: Topical or oral antibiotics can help control bacterial infection. Topical antibiotics may include antibiotic mouth rinses or insertion of gels containing antibiotics in the space between the teeth and gums or into pockets after deep cleaning.
- Laser Treatment: Dental lasers can be used to remove diseased gum tissue and promote healing.
Perio Protect
One of the more innovative non-surgical treatments available is Perio Protect, a comprehensive method that combines professional cleanings with at-home treatment. Vibrant Dental offers Perio Protect to provide our patients with a flexible and gentle solution to their gum disease.
What Does Perio Protect Treatment Look Like?
Perio Protect treatment involves custom-made trays (similar to mouthguards) that you fill with a prescribed solution. The trays are designed to deliver the medication deep below the gum line, targeting the bacteria causing gum disease.
After a thorough professional cleaning, you’ll take these trays home and apply them for a few minutes a day. This will keep your mouth clean, kill any new bacteria, and help your mouth recover faster.
What are the Benefits of Perio Protect?
Perio Protect offers several advantages, including:
- Ease of Use: The trays can be used in the comfort of your home and fit seamlessly into your daily routine.
- Targeted Treatment: The medication reaches deep below the gum line, where toothbrushes, rinses, and floss can’t reach.
- Gentleness: The treatment is non-surgical and is, for the most part, comfortable to wear.
- Effectiveness: Perio Protect enhances the effectiveness of professional dental cleanings.
Get a Healthy Smile Again
Having healthy gums is essential to getting straight teeth. Let Vibrant Dental be part of that journey, by getting Perio Protect for your gum disease today! Call us to learn more, or schedule an appointment at one of our Henderson, Nevada, offices today!