Braces as an adult? No way. At least, that was what I thought when my dentist told me that I was going to have to see an orthodontist about my crooked teeth. But my teeth were so misaligned that they were causing me pain when I chewed, so I decided to at least look into it. Turns out braces today are nothing like the ones my friends had when I was a kid. Mine were practically invisible, and I didn't need to wear them that long. I started this blog to encourage other people like me who are nervous about the prospect of wearing braces as an adult. My straight smile is so worth the trips to the orthodontist, and wearing braces was nowhere near as bad as I thought. Read on to find out more about how you can straighten your smile.
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Periodontal disease is a common dental problem affecting millions of people worldwide. If left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss, bad breath, and even affect your overall health. The good news is that your general dentist can provide effective treatments for periodontal disease that can help prevent it from advancing and restore your oral health. In this ultimate guide, we will explore the various periodontal disease treatments offered by your general dentist.
Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical treatment for periodontal disease. It involves cleaning accumulated tartar and plaque from the tooth and gum roots using specialized dental instruments. The dentist may use local anesthesia to make the procedure more comfortable for the patient. This treatment is effective in stopping the progression of periodontal disease and promoting gum healing.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are commonly used in conjunction with other periodontal treatments to eliminate aggressive bacteria in the mouth that cause gum infections. The antibiotics can be prescribed in the form of mouthwash, pill, or injection. This treatment needs to be administered under close supervision by your dentist.
Gum Graft Surgery
Advanced stages of periodontal disease can cause the gums to recede, exposing the roots of the teeth and making them loose. In such cases, gum graft surgery is recommended. The procedure involves taking healthy gum tissue from another part of the mouth and grafting it to the affected area to promote gum tissue regeneration and prevent further tooth damage. Gum graft surgery requires a recovery time of a few weeks.
Flap Surgery
Flap surgery is a surgical treatment for severe periodontal disease. It removes deep bacteria and infected gum tissue. The dentist makes an incision in the gum tissue to lift and clean the infected area. After cleaning, the gum tissue is repositioned and stitched back in place. The patient may need a few rest days after the surgery to promote healing.
Laser Therapy
Laser therapy is a more advanced periodontal treatment using a high-tech laser to remove bacteria and infected gum tissue. It is a non-invasive procedure with minimal recovery time. Laser therapy is painless and effective in treating moderate to severe periodontal disease.
Preventing periodontal disease is always the best approach. However, if you already have periodontal disease, your general dentist can provide effective treatments to stop its progression and restore your oral health. The selection of treatment depends on the severity of the disease and your dental health. Schedule regular dental checkups to prevent and detect periodontal disease at an early stage. Always consult your dentist before starting treatments and follow the aftercare tips to promote healing. These steps allow you to maintain your beautiful, healthy smile.
For more information about periodontal disease and other general dentistry issues, contact a dentist in your area.
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