According to data from the National Institute of Health, periodontal diseases, bacterial infections affecting the gum tissue are increasingly becoming common. Up to 8 in 10 adults in the United States suffer from one form of periodontal disease or the other.
Among the effects of this disease is redness, inflammation, swelling, and even bone loss around the teeth. It can either affect one tooth or a number of them depending on the scale of infection.
How Periodontal Disease Develops
These diseases are caused by bacteria present in the oral cavity. With time, the bacteria collect and multiply, while attaching themselves to your teeth thus forming dental plaque. If not attended to, the plaque causes inflammation on the surrounding gingival tissues resulting into a condition known as gingivitis. This is recognized as the earliest form of periodontal disease.
Oral hygiene practices including removal of food debris and plaque through flossing and brushing can help fight the bacteria causing gingivitis. If this is not done, the condition worsens causing further inflammation of the gum tissue and bleeding.
As the plaque continues building up, a periodontal pocket develops and moves just below the gum line. This is a critical point in the development of the disease and homecare may not be very effective. The service of a dentist in Rockford, IL is needed to remove the plaque and treat the condition.
The bacteria in the plaque may deepen the periodontal pockets through the production of byproducts which degrade the adjacent hard and soft tissue. In its advanced stages, periodontal disease affects root canals causing discomfort and loosening of teeth. This is when gum surgery becomes necessary.
Gum Surgery Procedures
Before the Rockford dentist undertakes any procedure, he will assess the degree of the problem and how widespread the plaque buildup and infection is. Thereafter, he will recommend one of the below gum surgery procedures:
Gingival Flap Surgery – This procedure is for periodontal pockets which are over 5mm deep. The periodontist cuts the gum tissue and then uses an ultrasonic scaling device to remove the plaque, tartar, and biofilm from beneath the pockets.
Gingivectomy – This operation is geared at removing excess gum tissue so that the dentist can get ample area to clean your teeth.
Gingivoplasty – For patients with receding tooth gum, this procedure can help them reshape their gum tissue so that they can look better. At times, tissue can be taken from the mouth and grafted into the gum.
After surgery, your dentist in Rockford, IL, will advise you on how you can clean your teeth and gum so as to avoid a recurrence of the problem.