# Understanding Periodontal Disease Treatment Options Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, is a serious infection that damages the soft tissue and, without treatment, can destroy the bone that supports your teeth. Here are some treatment options to consider: ## Non-Surgical Treatments ### 1. Professional Dental Cleaning Regular dental cleanings are essential to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth and gums. This helps prevent the progression of periodontal disease. ### 2. Scaling and Root Planing This deep-cleaning procedure involves scraping away plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line and smoothing out rough spots on the tooth root. This helps remove bacteria and provides a clean surface for the gums to reattach to the teeth. ## Surgical Treatments ### 1. Flap Surgery (Pocket Reduction Surgery) In this procedure, the gums are lifted back, and tartar is removed. The gums are then sutured back in place so that the tissue fits snugly around the tooth. This reduces the space between the gum and tooth, limiting the areas where harmful bacteria can grow. ### 2. Bone Grafts Bone grafts use fragments of your own bone, synthetic bone, or donated bone to replace bone destroyed by periodontal disease. This helps restore the stability of your teeth. ### 3. Soft Tissue Grafts This procedure reinforces thin gums or fills in places where gums have receded. Grafted tissue, usually taken from the roof of the mouth, is stitched in place to add tissue to the affected area. ### 4. Guided Tissue Regeneration This technique allows the regrowth of bone that was destroyed by bacteria. A special piece of biocompatible fabric is placed between existing bone and your tooth. This keeps unwanted tissue from entering the healing area, allowing bone to grow back instead. ### 5. Bone Surgery Bone surgery smooths shallow craters in the bone due to moderate and advanced bone loss. After flap surgery, the bone around the tooth is reshaped to decrease the craters. This makes it harder for bacteria to collect and grow. ## Medications ### 1. Antibiotic Gels These are applied to the gum pockets after scaling and root planing to control bacterial infection. ### 2. Antiseptic Chips These small chips are inserted into gum pockets and slowly release medication over time to reduce the size of the pockets and control bacteria. ### 3. Oral Antibiotics These are used to treat persistent gum infections that do not respond to other treatments. ### 4. Enzyme Suppressants These medications can help block certain enzymes that break down gum tissue. ## Home Care ### 1. Brushing and Flossing Good oral hygiene is crucial. Brush at least twice a day and floss daily to remove plaque from between your teeth and under the gum line. ### 2. Antimicrobial Mouthwash Using a mouthwash that contains antimicrobial agents can help reduce bacteria in your mouth. ### 3. Regular Dental Checkups Regular visits to your dentist for professional cleanings and checkups can help catch periodontal disease early and keep it under control. By understanding these treatment options, you can work with your dentist to create a plan that best suits your needs and helps maintain your oral health.