Dental Gum Treatments

Common symptoms of periodontal or gum disease include bleeding gums, swollen gums, bad breath and pain when chewing, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. About 75 percent of all adults have some form of gum disease, the University of Maryland Medical Center states. Dentists suggest that people should brush their teeth at least twice a day for a minimum of two minutes to prevent gum disease. Lack of oral hygiene significantly increases the risk for gum disease. Surgery is one of the most common types of treatments for serious cases of gum disease.

Scaling and Root Planning

• Dentists can usually scrape tartar and plaque off of teeth with dental instruments.

  Scaling and root planning are typically the first types of treatments used for periodontal or gum disease, according to the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Dentists perform scaling and root planning when patients have periodontal pockets deeper than 3 mm. Ultrasonic cleaners are then used to remove all of the plaque, tartar and other contaminants ranging from the bottom of the gum line to the bottom of the patient's periodontal pockets. Root surfaces are then smoothed, which makes it difficult for plaque to form around gum tissue that's trying to heal. Anesthesia is usually administered during scaling and root planning.

Gingival Curettage

• Surgery for gum disease usually takes several hours.

  Gingival curettage involves removing the soft tissue lining of periodontal pockets to eliminate bacteria and diseased tissue. Gingival curettage is usually used in tandem with scaling and root planning when treating gum disease.

Open Flap Curettage

• Regular dental check ups can help identify gum disease early before it becomes a serious problem.

  Open flap curettage is surgery that allows the removal of diseased tissue and bacteria. Open flap curettage also allows a dentist to reposition and reshape bones, gum and tissues that support teeth. Gums are first lifted away from the tooth and then the diseased root surfaces are cleaned. Gum tissue is then replaced before the remaining bone is contoured.

Guided Tissue Regeneration

• Brushing your teeth twice a day is the best way to prevent gum disease.

  Guided tissue regeneration involves using membranes to regenerate lost periodontal tissue and supporting bones. Epithelial cells and faster growing connective tissue are prevented from entering the wound after gum surgery and space is kept between the bone and membrane. This allows the periodontal ligament to mature and repopulate in the wounded area.

Gum Grafting

• Teaching children proper dental hygeine can help prevent gum disease later on in life.

  Gum grafting involves taking gum tissue from a donor source or the palate to cover the exposed root to reduce sensitivity by evening out the gum line. Gum grafting offers benefits, like reduced tooth sensitivity and preventing roots from further decay.

Implants

• Tooth implants are a popular option for patients with tooth decay.

  Patients often lose teeth as a result of severe periodontal disease. Tooth implants have been successful in recent years, but are extremely expensive and take between five and seven months to fully root.