Periodontal treatment helps manage gum disease, fight infection, and protect the gums and bone around your teeth. Gum disease starts when plaque and bacteria build up near the gums. Without treatment, the gums can become red, swollen, and bleed easily. They may also start to pull away from the teeth. Over time, the infection can damage the bone that holds your teeth in place. Periodontal treatment in Mississauga helps remove plaque and tartar, clean infected areas, and keep your gums healthy. The treatment depends on how serious the gum disease is. Early care can help prevent the problem from worsening. More serious cases may need additional treatment to protect your teeth.
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease, also called gum disease, is an infection of the gums and the parts that hold your teeth in place. It often starts when plaque, a sticky layer of bacteria, builds up on the teeth and is not removed by regular brushing and flossing.
Gum disease usually develops in two stages:
- Gingivitis: The gums become red, swollen, and sore. They may also bleed when you brush your teeth. At this stage, proper cleaning and daily care can often reverse the problem.
- Periodontitis: The infection spreads deeper under the gums. Small spaces may form around the teeth, and the bone that supports them may start to break down.
- Common signs include bleeding gums, bad breath that does not go away, gums pulling away from the teeth, loose teeth, and changes in how your teeth fit together when you bite.
How Periodontal Treatment Helps Protect Your Gums and Teeth
Periodontal treatment helps control gum infection and prevent further damage to the gums and bone. The type of treatment depends on how serious the gum disease is and how much buildup is present.
Here are some ways it helps:
- Removes plaque and tartar: Professional cleaning removes hard buildup from the teeth that regular brushing cannot remove.
- Reduces gum swelling: Removing bacteria and buildup can help reduce red, swollen, and bleeding gums.
- Cleans below the gums: Deep cleaning removes plaque and tartar from the tooth roots, where bacteria can hide.
- Protects the supporting bone: Treating gum infection can help prevent further damage to the bone around the teeth.
- Helps keep teeth in place: Healthy gums and strong supporting tissues help hold your teeth firmly.
Treatment cannot always bring back gum tissue or bone that has already been lost. However, it can help control gum disease and protect the remaining gums and bone.
What Treatments May Be Recommended?
Periodontal care is planned according to the condition of the gums and teeth. Common treatment options include:
Professional dental cleaning
For early gum disease, a professional cleaning may be enough to remove plaque and tartar above the gumline. Daily brushing and cleaning between the teeth help maintain the results.
Scaling and root planing
This deep cleaning removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline and smooths the root surfaces. It helps reduce bacteria and allows the gums to heal more closely around the teeth.
Periodontal maintenance
After active treatment, regular maintenance visits help control plaque and tartar buildup. The frequency depends on gum health and the risk of the disease returning.
Further gum treatment
Advanced gum disease may require additional care, such as gum surgery or other procedures to reduce deep pockets or address damaged tissues. The need for these treatments depends on the examination.
A dental clinic in Mississauga can assess the gums, measure the spaces around the teeth, and recommend care based on the findings.
Who May Need Periodontal Treatment?
Periodontal care may be needed when gum disease causes ongoing bleeding, swelling, deep gum pockets, or damage to the tissues supporting the teeth.
The risk may be higher with:
- Poor plaque control.
- Smoking or tobacco use.
- Diabetes that is not well controlled.
- A family history of gum disease.
- Certain medicines or health conditions.
- Irregular dental checkups.
A dental clinic in Mississauga can help identify early signs and determine whether professional gum treatment is needed.
How to Protect Your Gums After Treatment
Daily care plays an important role in keeping gum disease under control.
- Brush twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush.
- Clean between the teeth daily using floss or suitable interdental brushes.
- Avoid smoking and tobacco products.
- Follow any cleaning instructions provided after treatment.
- Attend recommended periodontal maintenance visits.
- Manage health conditions, such as diabetes, with guidance from your healthcare team.
Periodontal treatment near you can help manage existing gum problems, but long-term results also depend on consistent home care.
Protect Your Gums With the Right Care
Healthy gums provide the support your teeth need every day. If bleeding, swelling, or changes in the gums have become noticeable, an assessment can help identify the cause and guide next steps. Contact IONA Dental to discuss your gum health, understand suitable treatment options, and plan care to help protect your teeth over time.
FAQs
Can periodontal treatment save loose teeth?
It may help control the infection and protect the remaining support around loose teeth. However, the result depends on how much bone and tissue have been lost.
Does periodontal treatment hurt?
Some tenderness or sensitivity may occur, especially after deep cleaning. Local anaesthesia can be used when needed to make treatment more comfortable.
How long does it take for gums to heal after deep cleaning?
Initial tenderness may improve within a few days. Gum healing and changes in pocket depth can take several weeks, depending on the condition and the care provided.
Can gum disease return after treatment?
Yes. Bacteria can build up again if daily cleaning and regular dental visits are not maintained. Ongoing care helps reduce the chance of the disease becoming active again.