Gum Disease Treatment

Sharon L. Albright • May 15, 2024

Treatment of periodontal disease varies with the type and severity of the disease. Periodontal disease caused by plaque, gingivitis, and periodontis, make up the majority of periodontal diseases. Gingivitis is the more mild form of the disease and is reversible, Gingivitis may occur without progressing to periodontitis but periodontitis, the irreversible form of the disease, is always preceeded by gingivitis.

With gingivitis the gum tissue becomes swollen, inflammed, and bleeds during flossing and brushing. Deep pockets (up to 4 millimeters deep) form around teeth but no loss of bone occurs.

Treatment For Gingivitis

Treatment for gingivitis invloves removing the irritants (plaque and calculus) from surfaces above and under the gumline. This is done by a professional teeth cleaning procedure. Once irritants are removed by scaling and debridement plaque accumulation must be avoided by regular flossing, brushing and rinsing at home.

Treatment For Periodontal Disease

Treatment for periodontal disease is more involved because the disease has spread from the gum tissue to bone and supporting structures of the teeth. Deeper pockets (greater than 4 millimeters) form around the teeth and the attachment of the gums to the teeth fail. This causes the gums to pull away from the teeth and the tooth roots become exposed. Spaces between the teeth and roots appear and food becomes caught between them more easily. Because these places are more difficult to clean calculus (tartar) attaches to the teeth more readily, exacerbating the problem.

Initial treatment for mild to moderate periodontal disease usually involves:

Scaling and root planning – Removal of bacteria laden plaque and calculus from the tooth and root surfaces in addition to the periodontal pockets. Also, smoothing the root surfaces to make it harder for calculus to adhere to the roots.
Medicating the gingiva, periodontal pockets and root surfaces to help control the growth of bacteria and mediate sensitivity caused by the newly exposed root surfaces
Instructing you in approriate home care techniques, especially in how to remove plaque from difficult to reach places, and how to apply medication to the areas being treated at home if needed.
Periodic professional periodontal maintenance visits after scaling and root planing is complete. Your maintenance interval will be determined upon re-evaluation 4-6 weeks after scaling and root planing is completed.

Failure to continue with maintenance after initial therapy will allow the condition to recur and worsen. Periodontal disease can not be cured, it can ony be controlled. The success of your treatment depends largely upon your follow-up in home care and professional care.

Initial treatment for advanced periodontal disease

Initial treatment for advanced periodontal disease, in addition to the above, involves consultation with a periodontist (specialist in the treatment of diseases involving the supporting structures for the teeth). Surgery may also be necessary to reduce the depth of gingival pockets, add bone and/or tissue to various areas, and provide solutions to other problems presented by the disease. Tooth extraction may also be necessary to stop spread of the disease.

Subsequent treatment for both gingivitis and periodontal disease depends upon your response to intitial treatment.

As always, the best treatment is prevention.

Make an appointment today to have your gums checked.

Learn more about gingivitis and periodontal disease & bleeding gums

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A pair of dental braces sitting on top of each other on a table.

Invisalign in Oakland: What You Need to Know Before Starting Treatment

By Sharon L. Albright • February 20, 2025

Have you ever thought about how a perfect smile can transform your confidence and overall appearance? According to a survey by OnePoll and Forbes Health, 72% of Gen Z'ers use social media to compare their smiles. However, with the rise of popular orthodontic solutions like Invisalign, there's no more FOMO when it comes to having a great social-media-worthy smile. Getting started with Invisalign in Oakland can be a significant decision. Learn more about what to expect with Invisalign treatment in Oakland below. Understanding Invisalign Treatment Invisalign is a modern alternative to traditional metal braces. It provides a discreet and comfortable way to straighten your teeth. Rather than utilizing brackets and wires, Invisalign in Oakland employs a series of custom-made, clear aligners that gradually shift your dental structure into the desired position. It's crucial to engage with a professional who specializes in Invisalign. They will craft a tailored plan specifically for your needs. Key Benefits of Invisalign Beyond its invisible appearance, there are several advantages to choosing Invisalign for your teeth alignment. These benefits have made Invisalign treatment in Oakland popular among those wishing to elevate their smile. Comfort The aligners are made of smooth plastic for greater aesthetic appeal. This means less irritation and discomfort compared to traditional braces. Convenience You can easily remove the aligners when eating, brushing, or flossing, which allows you to maintain optimal oral hygiene . Predictable results Using advanced 3D imaging technology, your dentist can show you how your teeth will move and what your smile will look like after treatment. It helps make teeth straightening in Oakland straightforward and understandable. Fewer office visits With Invisalign clear aligners in Oakland, you typically need fewer appointments for adjustments. You'll be provided with multiple sets of aligners at once to change out at pre-determined intervals. The Treatment Process So, how does the treatment process work? The entire process usually spans about 12 to 18 months. However, this can vary depending on the complexity of your case and how long you wear your aligners. Initial Consultation One of the first steps in your Invisalign journey is scheduling a consultation with an Oakland orthodontics office. During this appointment, your dentist will assess your oral health and discuss your goals. This will determine if Invisalign is the right fit for you. Customized Plan 3D images of your teeth will be taken. From there, a personalized treatment plan will be created to guide your aligners' progression. Receiving Aligners You'll receive several sets of aligners. Typically, you'll wear each set for about two weeks before progressing to the next set. For maximum effectiveness, it's important to wear them for the required 20-22 hours per day Regular Check-ups Periodic visits will be scheduled to ensure your treatment is on track and your smile is beautifully on track. Transform Your Smile with Invisalign in Oakland at Sharon L. Albright, D.D.S., Inc. Today Invisalign isn't just about aligning your teeth. It's about enhancing your overall confidence and self-esteem. If you're interested in pursuing Invisalign in Oakland, Sharon L. Albright D.D.S., Inc. can help. The experienced dental team at Sharon Albright D.D.S. specializes in providing high-quality orthodontic treatments tailored to our clients' needs. Are you ready to embark on your journey towards a stunning smile? Contact our office today to make your dream of a perfect smile a reality!