Maintaining proper oral hygiene is crucial to your overall physical health. An unhealthy mouth can lead to a wide variety of health problems, including a weakened immune system and increased susceptibility to infections. Periodontitis, or gum disease as it’s commonly known, is one of the first major signs that dental intervention is needed. Some people may still be reluctant to seek out dental care, despite the need for immediate intervention, out of uncertainty or fear of the potential cures. Knowing what to expect from periodontal treatment in Glenview is one way to ease those fears. Here are a few important things to keep in mind.
Surgery Is Not Always Required
Depending on the stage of the gum disease, dental surgery may not always be needed. In fact, simple lifestyle changes can help reverse the effects of gum disease if it is caught early enough. Your dentist will recommend brushing with increased frequency, and will advise you to begin flossing if you aren’t already. He or she will also discuss diet and other lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking and reducing the amount of plaque-causing foods you ingest.
Dental Scaling Is An Option
Even if your case of gum disease has progressed to the point where lifestyle adjustments alone won’t correct it, there are other non-surgical options to consider. Scaling is commonly used to treat gum disease without the need for an operation. Simply put, the plaque buildup around the crown of the tooth is manually removed. In some cases, this can effectively remove the plaque causing the gum disease, helping to cure the infection.
Consider Root Planning
Lifestyle changes and dental scaling may not be enough to adequately treat your gum disease. In these cases, there is still a less invasive alternative to surgery. Root planning can only be done after dental scaling is completed. It involves scaling certain areas deep inside the tooth. These pockets are close to the root, and when they are scaled down it helps to heal the gums.
To learn more about periodontal treatment in Glenview, contact the Dental Specialists of South Loop & North Shore. Like us on our facebook page.
