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Periodontal Procedures: Why You Need Healthy Gums

The systems in our body all work together to form a harmonious balance. One system plays off the others, and each affects the other directly or indirectly. Your gums are no exception to this! Healthy gums play an essential part in maintaining your overall health. If you find yourself developing gum or periodontal disease, it could put you at greater risk of developing more severe health problems. The good news is if you do find yourself developing gum problems, a periodontal procedure can give you back clean, healthy gums! Keep reading below to see some common symptoms of gum disease and a few of the periodontal procedures that can be used to reverse any damage.

Common Periodontal Symptoms

Our mouths contain an intricate system of bacteria called the oral microbiome. This complex system of bacteria works to keep your gums and mouth healthy. Problems begin when we don’t practice proper oral hygiene and harmful foreign bacteria start to grow and multiply in the nooks and crannies around our teeth. This build-up upsets the balance of healthy bacteria in your mouth. When this happens, it’s only a matter of time before you start to develop periodontal or gum disease.

To add to the damage caused by the initial build-up of harmful bacteria is the damage your own body’s defense mechanisms cause. As your body’s immune system sends out white blood cells to destroy the foreign bacteria, it causes damage to the surrounding gum tissue. As the damage to your gums progresses, you will start to have a number of symptoms.

• Bad breath
• Bleeding after brushing or flossing
• Gums become tender to touch
• Swollen or puffy gums
• Gums start to bleed easily
• Pus in and around the gums
• Purplish or bright red gum color

If you begin to notice any of these symptoms, call and make an appointment with your dentist. An evaluation and x-rays can quickly identify any periodontal issues. Luckily, a periodontal procedure can often be used to reverse the damage!

The Right Periodontal Procedure for You

• Scaling & Root Planing - If gum disease is caught early, you may be able to avoid a more complex procedure and simply undergo scaling and root planing to remove the build-up of harmful bacteria. Scaling and root planing involve having a thorough cleaning around the gum and teeth roots. After your teeth are cleaned, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics or antimicrobials to further safeguard your teeth and gums from unwanted bacteria.
• Tray Delivery System - A tray delivery system is formed by your dentist taking an impression of your teeth and creating a mouthguard in the exact shape of your mouth. Your dentist will give you the mouthguard tray to take home with medication to use with it, similar to a fluoride treatment. The medication works to remove the unwanted bacteria and helps to restore the health of your gums.
• Soft Tissue Grafting - Similar to a skin graft, a soft tissue graft uses healthy gum tissue to cover over a tooth’s exposed root. Covering the root can lessen or altogether remove pain due to the tooth’s sensitivity to heat and cold. The only downside to this procedure is it’s limited to one tooth at a time.
• Pinhole Gum Surgery - This minimally invasive procedure is used to reverse gum recession. A small pinhole will first be placed in the gum line. Next, a tiny device is used inside the pinhole to change the orientation of the gum tissue. After this, your dentist will place collagen strips to hold the gum tissue in its new position while new gum tissue grows. Unlike soft tissue grafting the gums, multiple teeth can undergo the pinhole procedure at the same time.

Are you showing symptoms of gum disease and wondering what periodontal procedure would work best for you? We know the place for you to start! Dr. Julie Liberman, DDS of Great Neck Dental Care NY, proudly serves patients of all ages in the Great Neck area, spanning New Hyde Park, Floral Park, Douglaston, Jericho, Roslyn, etc. Book your check-up today to ensure your mouth and smile remain healthy and beautiful!