Most cases of periodontitis are curable, but their treatment varies according to the degree of evolution of the disease, and can be done through surgery or less invasive techniques, such as curettage, root planing or use of antibiotics, for example.
In addition, as periodontitis is caused by poor oral hygiene, which allows the growth of tartar and bacteria, it is important to brush your teeth at least twice a day, use dental floss, avoid using cigarettes and make annual appointments at the dentist.
Main treatments without surgery
The different treatment techniques that do not require surgery are usually used in the mildest cases of periodontitis and include:
1. Curettage
This technique is a type of deep cleaning of the teeth that allows the removal of excess tartar and bacteria from the surface of the teeth and the inside of the gums, preventing the appearance of infections that can affect the bones that hold the teeth.
Curettage is performed by a periodontist or dentist, using special instruments in the office and, in some cases, can also be done with a laser.
2. Root planing
Flattening consists of smoothing the root surface of the teeth to reduce the chances that bacteria will stick and develop, relieving inflammation of the gums and preventing the worsening of periodontitis lesions.
3. Antibiotics
Antibiotics, such as Amoxicillin or Clindamycin, eliminate and help control the growth of bacteria in the mouth and can be used as a tablet or as a mouthwash. They are generally used after curettage to keep teeth clean and to ensure that all bacteria have been eliminated.
This type of medication should only be used with the doctor's guidance and for the recommended period, as its excessive use can cause various side effects such as diarrhea, vomiting or recurrent infections.
Main types of surgery
When periodontitis is at a more advanced stage and there are lesions on the gums, teeth or bones, it may be necessary to resort to some type of surgery such as:
- Depth dimensioning: a part of the gingiva is lifted and the root of the tooth is exposed, allowing a deeper cleaning of the teeth; Gum grafting: is done when the gum has been destroyed by the infection and the root of the teeth has been exposed. Usually, the doctor removes a piece of tissue from the roof of the mouth and places it on the gums; Bone grafting: this surgery is used when the bone has been destroyed and allows you to keep your teeth safer. The graft is usually made with synthetic or natural material, being removed from another bone in the body or from a donor, for example.
These types of surgery are usually performed in the dentist's office with local anesthesia and, therefore, it is possible to return home on the same day, with no need to stay in the hospital.
The most important care after surgery is maintaining proper mouth hygiene and avoiding hard foods in the first week, to allow the gums to heal. Here are some examples of what you can eat during this period.
