Overview
Periodontal disease is also referred to as gum disease. The disease often occurs when sticky clear bacteria, or plaque, forms on the outer layer of teeth. The bacteria hardens and forms pockets in the tissue around the teeth. The gums become loose and the tooth is no longer held firmly in place. A variety of treatments are available including surgical and nonsurgical methods.
Step 1
Treat periodontal disease nonsurgically with scaling and root planing. The procedure is performed at a dentist's office. The process removes plaque and tartar that are below the gum line---where pockets of plaque commonly are trapped. The root surface is cleaned using a dental hand instruments with a variety of tips. The plaque is chipped away and then flushed out with water. Most patients only need one treatment. If periodontal disease is severe, several treatments may be necessary.
Step 2
Undergo surgery. Surgery is recommended when the tissue around the teeth is unhealthy and cannot be repaired using nonsurgical methods. Pocket depth reduction is performed by removing plaque and tartar from the tooth's root. The gum is folded back during the procedure. Once complete the gum is sutured in place so the tissue fits snuggly around the tooth. Bone and tissue grafts may also be recommended. The procedure encourages new bone and tissue growth that was destroyed by periodontal disease. A small piece of meshlike fabric is placed between the tooth and surrounding tissue. The mesh material keeps the tissue from growing, allowing new bone to grow in place.
Step 3
Use medication. Drugs and medications can aide in the treatment of periodontal disease. An antimicrobial mouth rinse---used like a mouth wash--removes bacteria and is commonly used after surgery. An antiseptic "chip" is routinely placed into pockets after root planing. The gel chip slowly dissolves and releases Chlorhexidine. The medication reduces pocket sizes around a tooth where plaque can cluster and form, and also reduces bacteria. The antibiotic Doxycycline is commonly placed into the pockets after root planing and is released over a period of seven days to fight infection as well as decrease bacterial growth. A low dose of Doxycycline is given routinely in the form of a pill to decrease the growth of enzymes, which can destroy tissue.
Step 4
Have teeth removed. This is is a final option if the gum disease has progressed to a certain point. Dental implants are often used to replace a tooth. The implant does not require support from neighboring teeth to stay in place. The implanted tooth is attached directly to the jaw bone or directly on the bone. Implants can last a lifetime and are a permanent solution to a missing tooth. The mouth must be periodontal-disease free, and the patient should be in good health.
Step 5
Consider a second opinion when researching treatment options. The treatment plans will vary for each person. The success of treatment depends on the age of the patient, how far the disease has progressed and whether the patient is a smoker. Treatment is performed by dentists, but also by periodontists---doctors who specialize in periodontal disease.
