Brookline dentist explains that treatment for gum disease depends on when it’s caught
Hearing the words “periodontal disease” can cause anxiety among the bravest of dental patients. Patients may wonder how they got it, if they didn’t brush her teeth enough, or if others can tell they have it. Dr. Stan Kovtun has been helping his Brookline, MA, patients fight gum disease for many years. Treatment for gum disease often depends on how early it is caught.
Understanding gum disease
Your mouth is made up of more than teeth and gums. There’s also other tissue as well as bacteria, plaque, and saliva. Brushing and flossing are necessary to keep the teeth and gums clean; however, there are areas of the mouth that are nearly impossible to reach. Plaque that isn’t removed can form tartar, which can lead to cavities and gum disease.
Inflammation of the gums is a mild stage of gum disease known as gingivitis. Gingivitis is typically treated with a professional cleaning, better at-home brushing, and mouth rinse. However, if gingivitis is untreated, it can cause inflammation and pockets between the teeth and gums. If the pockets become infected the patient can experience greater discomfort as gingivitis progresses to periodontitis.
Treatment for gum disease
- Deep cleaning: Using a method called scaling and root planing, Dr. Kovtun can remove plaque from both above and below the gum line. This helps to stop the infection
- Medications: If the infection has progressed further, Dr. Kovtun may prescribe a medical mouth rinse, antibiotic gel, or oral antibiotic to treat the infection.
- Oral surgery: Using precise tools, Dr. Kovtun will make a small incision in the gums, remove the infection, and then tightly stitch the gums back into place.
The right treatment for each patient depends on their unique situation and can only be determined by a dentist. To schedule an appointment, call (617) 274-8494 today.
