Are Gum Disease Treatments Considered Routine Dental Procedures?

Wondering whether gum disease treatments fall under routine dental care? Gum disease is a common concern that affects many people worldwide. Fortunately, there are simple routine dental procedures that may be able to treat minor to moderate instances of gum disease. Understanding your options for routine dental procedures when dealing with gum disease is important in order to make the best decision possible.

Gum disease and routine dental procedures

Routine dental procedures are in-office dental treatments that are used to treat more common oral health concerns, such as gum disease. The following is a review of what treatments are used for gum disease, what to expect during the treatment process, and ways to maintain healthy gums at home.

What are gum disease treatments?

There is a range of gum disease treatment options. Your dentist may recommend one option over another depending on the severity of your condition. Several of the more common types of treatment options include:

• Routine cleaning
• Teeth polishing
• Oral hygiene changes
• Antibiotics
• Fluoride treatment
• Scaling and root planing
• Gum surgery

Gingivitis, the least severe type of gum disease, is often reversible through routine cleanings and other routine dental procedures. The dentist will also educate the patient on how to improve oral hygiene and diet at home. For more severe instances of gum disease, a dental deep cleaning, which is also called scaling and root planing, may be necessary. Gum surgeries such as gum flap surgery and gum grafting may be necessary for severe gum disease, as well.

What to expect during gum disease treatment

Gum disease treatment starts with a consultation visit. On the first visit, the dental professional will evaluate the severity of the symptoms and determine whether the issue is gingivitis or periodontitis (more severe gum disease). They may also determine if gum recession has taken place and whether or not the gum pockets are too deep. Based on the information, the dental professional can put together a treatment plan, which may involve several of the routine dental procedures that are mentioned above.

Other types of routine dental procedures for gum health

Some routine dental procedures are more commonly used to addressed issues of dental health but may also help improve gum health. One example includes composite bonding, which can treat tooth sensitivity and other symptoms after gum recession takes place. Be sure to ask your dentist about available routine dental procedures for gum health.

How to maintain good gum health at home

Dentists can treat gum disease through various routine dental procedures, but the majority of caring for gum health should take place at home through good oral hygiene and responsible dietary choices. Specifically, patients should brush the entire mouth gently several times a day and reduce the consumption of foods and drinks that are high in sugar.

Find out more about routine dental procedures

Our dental team offers a range of routine dental procedures that help with treating gum disease. To learn more about treatment options, contact us to arrange a time to visit our dental practice for a friendly consultation.

Request an appointment here: https://www.jacksonsmiledoctors.com or call Constance E. Smith DDS, PC at (517) 312-2115 for an appointment in our Jackson office.

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