Gum disease impacts millions of adults around the world. And, if caught early with routine dental care, any damage sustained from gum disease will be reversed. Unfortunately, many people let it go until they start encountering more noticeable and concerning symptoms such as loose teeth. That’s right - gum disease can lead to loose teeth - and here’s how you can fix it.
Dangers of Gum Disease
Gum disease, more formally known as periodontitis, leads to the infection and inflammation of the gums. It can happen for a number of different reasons, though most commonly due to poor dental hygiene habits. Brushing and flossing can only do so much to remove plaque and bacteria away from the teeth. Without the attention of a dental professional, anything remaining will harden along the gum line and eventually underneath it, causing the gums to pull away from the teeth. As a result, these gaps can lead to an infection that eats away at both the bone and the soft gum tissue that support a tooth, causing the tooth to become loose.
Paying attention to early signs such as receding gums, bleeding or inflamed gums, and chronic bad breath can help you seek treatment from the dentist sooner rather than later. And staying on top of your oral health with regular cleanings is a great means of prevention.
However, if you find yourself with loose teeth from gum disease, what can you do? How can you treat it? Scaling and root planing is a procedure that has shown very successful results.
What is Scaling and Root Planing?
Scaling and root planing is a two-part procedure often referred to as a deep cleaning. It can help to remove the plaque and bacteria and it gives the gums a chance to heal. As a result, your teeth will start to regain their support.
The first step is scaling. This involves using special instruments designed to go deep underneath the gum line. It removes plaque bacteria and tartar from both the surface of the tooth as well as under the gums. It clears out anything that can cause the gums to be infected or inflamed so that they have a chance to fit flush against the teeth again and heal.
The second part, root planing, is all about smoothing out the roots. The surface of a root can give bacteria the perfect place to settle. By going even deeper than scaling, root planing smoothes out the roots and removes any remaining bacteria so that the gums can reattach to the teeth as they heal.
Depending on how bad the buildup is, your dentist may recommend splitting the treatment up into two sessions. But, once this procedure is done and preventative measures are put in place, there is a good chance you can keep gum disease from progressing - and save your teeth!
Fix Loose Teeth From Gum Disease
Whether you are experiencing loose teeth or not, if you are suffering from gum disease, the time to take action is now. At Paramount Dental Arts, we have the services you need, including scaling and root planing, to restore your oral health - and your smile.
Ready to get started? To learn more or to schedule an appointment, contact us today at 973-777-1772. Or, request an appointment online.