Can Periodontitis Be Treated Without Surgery?

What Is Periodontitis?

Periodontitis is commonly known as gum disease. It is a serious bacterial infection affecting the gums and bones that support teeth. As common as it is, it causes significant damage to the oral tissues if left untreated.

There are different types and stages of periodontitis, ranging from mild to severe. The early stage of periodontitis is called gingivitis. It is characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums. If gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, the advanced stage of the disease. See a dentist as soon as possible to prevent the disease from progressing and causing damage to your oral and general health.

What Causes Periodontitis?

Periodontitis commonly occurs due to the buildup of plaque and tartar on the teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth and gums. Without regular brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar, which can only be removed by a dental professional.

The bacteria in plaque and tartar produce toxins that irritate the gums and cause inflammation. Over time, the inflammation can damage the gums and bones that support the teeth, resulting in periodontitis. If untreated by dentists at Hammond Pond Dental Group, the infection can cause tooth loss and other serious health problems.

Symptoms of Periodontitis

Early treatment entailing surgical or non-surgical periodontal therapy in Chestnut Hill, MA, can help prevent periodontitis from progressing and causing serious health problems. However, you need to be aware you have an infection in your gums by considering the following symptoms:

• Red, swollen, or tender gums
• Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing.
• Receding gums – pulling away from the teeth, making the teeth appear longer.
• Persistent bad breath that is not resolved with brushing, flossing, or mouthwash.
• Loose teeth – may feel loose or shift out of position as the gums and bone that support them weaken.
• Pain or discomfort when chewing food
• Tooth sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures.
• Pus between the teeth and gums, a sign of infection

Do You Need Treatment for Periodontitis?

Yes. Treatment aims to remove bacteria and plaque and prevent further damage to the gums and bone. Leaving periodontitis untreated for long can lead to severe oral and general health complications. Some of them include:

• Tooth loss: Periodontitis can cause the gums to recede, leading to tooth loss.
• Gum abscesses: When the infection spreads to the gum tissue, it can cause painful abscesses featuring pockets filled with pus and other fluids.
• Bad breath: The bacteria in the mouth that cause periodontitis can also cause persistent bad breath that doesn’t get better after teeth cleaning.
• Heart disease: Studies have found a link between periodontitis and heart disease. The bacteria in the mouth can enter the bloodstream and cause inflammation, leading to heart disease.
• Diabetes: People with diabetes are more likely to develop periodontitis. Meanwhile, periodontitis can make it more difficult to control blood sugar levels, worsening diabetes.
• Respiratory infections: The bacteria in the mouth can also cause respiratory infections, such as pneumonia.
• Pregnancy complications: Periodontitis has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight.

Must You Undergo Surgery for Periodontitis?

Ideally, surgery is one of the treatment protocols for periodontitis. However, it is not mandatory for every patient with advanced gum disease. Instead, consider the non-surgical periodontal treatments in Chestnut Hill, MA. They include the following:

• Scaling and root planing – involve cleaning the teeth and roots to remove plaque and tartar buildup.
• Antibiotics – help control the infection.
• Maintenance therapy, including regular checkups and cleanings – to maintain healthy gums and prevent the progression of periodontal disease.

For more advanced cases, non-surgical periodontal therapy may not be the best approach. Instead, your dentist will recommend surgery to remove tartar and bacteria accumulated beneath the gum line. It may involve surgical procedures such as pocket reduction surgery, bone grafts, or gum grafts.

Conclusion

Some people with periodontitis may not experience any symptoms until the disease has progressed to an advanced stage. Therefore, always seek treatment for periodontitis as early as possible to prevent further damage and tooth loss. Maintaining good oral hygiene practices, such as brushing and flossing regularly and scheduling regular dental check-ups, can also help prevent periodontitis from developing or progressing.