Your oral cavity is an important part of your body that is an entrance to the digestive and respiratory systems. If your oral health is compromised, it can lead to other systems being vulnerable to harmful invaders. Poor dental health can impair your overall physical well-being and lead to several oral diseases, such as periodontal disease. 

Green Valley, AZ periodontal services offered by specialized dental experts can effectively treat periodontal disease through advanced treatment options that are discussed in this article.

An introduction to periodontal disease

Periodontal disease or gum disease is a common progressive oral infection that damages the supporting structures of the teeth, mainly the gums and underlying jawbone. Increased bacterial invasion releases toxins and acids that are harmful, causing inflammation of the supporting structures. It begins as an acute infection of the gums (gingivitis) but may progress into a more severe form known as periodontitis. Periodontal disease is considered one of the leading causes of tooth loss. 

 Symptoms of periodontal disease include:

• Discolored gums (reddish or purple in color)
• Bleeding, swollen, and tender gums
• Gum recession
• Teeth appear longer than usual
• Halitosis (bad breath)
• Gaps or spaces between your teeth
• Abscess with pus discharge
• Malocclusion (poor bite)

Effective treatment options to manage periodontal disease

Treating periodontal disease depends on the stage and the severity of the symptoms. Your dentist may evaluate your medical and family history and lifestyle habits and conduct a physical examination, followed by dental X-rays to determine the treatment that best suits your condition. 

Treatment options include:

Non-surgical (mild to moderate periodontal disease)

• Antibiotics
  • These are prescribed in the form of oral medications, topical gels, or solutions to fight bacterial infection.
• Scaling and root planing
  • Deep dental cleanings are routine procedures that allow the dentist to eliminate plaque, calculus, and bacteria beneath the gum line and the root surfaces. 

Surgical (moderate to severe periodontal disease)

• Flap surgery
  • A gum flap is raised to access the tooth roots and clean them thoroughly.
• Bone grafting
  • This is an effective procedure to counteract bone loss by replacing the lost tissue with a graft material.
• Gum grafting
  • Gum grafting helps treat gum recession by placing a tissue graft around the affected teeth and suturing it. 
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)
  • PRP is extracted from your blood sample and injected into the deficient areas to encourage bone growth. 

Periodontal disease at the initial stage (gingivitis) can be reversed if detected early; however, advanced and progressive stages require extensive treatment. Seek timely dental care to revitalize your oral health and smile.