Non-Surgical Gum Treatments

Gum disease or pyorrhea (periodontal disease) develops as the result of a bacterial infection. In early dental history, gum disease caused people to lose their teeth at an early age. Surgical treatment was developed to try to treat gum disease, but the progression continued as the source of the gum disease was not eliminated.

Once the source of gum disease was discovered, the dental community found that most periodontal treatments did not necessarily have to involve surgery.

If found and treated early, gum disease treatment is successful by eliminating the bacteria and plaque below the gum line and encouraging the gums to grow back and reattach to the teeth.

Initially, the gum depths will be measured and charted for each tooth. After treatment, measurements will be taken again to record improvements. Before the first procedure, some dental repairs may need to be done if they will inhibit the healing process (worn fillings or crowns that allow plaque to gather underneath).

Removing the plaque below the gum line is called scaling and root planing. Once the teeth are smooth and cleared of plaque, the gums are then able to reattach. Local anesthesia may be used during this process but is determined by the severity of the pyorrhea.

Antibiotics may be prescribed in pill form or applied directly to the gums (in powder form). An antibacterial mouth rinse may also be prescribed.

Stines Family Dentistry offers non-surgical gum treatments in Howell, Michigan.