What is gum treatment?
Gum treatment refers to several nonsurgical procedures that manage periodontal disease. There are several types of periodontal disease, but Dr. Koch focuses on two:
Gingivitis
Gingivitis causes your gums to become irritated, puffy, and red. When caught early, it's possible to manage and even reverse through good oral hygiene and routine dental checkups.
Periodontitis
Periodontitis occurs when gingivitis continues to progress. It causes your gums to pull away from your teeth and form pockets. These pockets provide a location for plaque, tartar, and harmful bacteria to collect. Over time, your teeth might loosen and fall out.
What are the types of gum treatment?
At Advanced Dental Care of East Texas, Dr. Koch specializes in nonsurgical gum treatment. Depending on your symptoms and needs, he might recommend:
Scaling and root planing
If you have gingivitis, Dr. Koch might recommend scaling and root planing. During scaling and root planing, Dr. Koch carefully removes plaque and tartar from the surfaces of your teeth and beneath your gum line. Afterward, he smooths your tooth roots, allowing your gums to firmly reattach to your teeth.
Antibiotic medication
Sometimes scaling and root planing isn’t enough to prevent gum disease. If your infection persists, Dr. Koch might recommend prescription antibiotics. There are several medications used to treat gum disease, including antiseptic mouthwash, time-release antiseptic chips, antibiotic microspheres, and oral antibiotics.
What type of gum treatment will benefit me?
To determine the type of gum treatment that will most benefit you, Dr. Koch conducts an oral exam, reviews your dental health history, and asks about your symptoms. He also takes a series of digital oral X-rays to determine the health of your jaw and alveolar bone.
After gathering the necessary information, he can make recommendations that align with your individual needs.
Is there any way to prevent gum disease?
The easiest way to prevent gum disease is to practice good oral hygiene. Dr. Koch recommends brushing and flossing regularly and visiting Advanced Dental Care of East Texas every six months for a dental exam and professional teeth cleaning.
To learn more about gum treatment, make an appointment at Advanced Dental Care of East Texas. Call to speak with an administrative staff member or click the online booking tool.
