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How Is Periodontal (Gums) Disease Treated?
Plaque Removal. Treatment of periodontitis depends on how much damage the disease has caused. In the early stages, the dentist or periodontist will use deep cleaning to remove hardened plaque and infected tissue under the gum and smooth the damaged root surfaces of teeth. This allows the gum to re-attach to the teeth. A special mouthrinse or an antibiotic might also be prescribed to help control the infection.
Deep cleaning is successful only if the patient regularly brushes and flosses to keep the plaque from building up again.
Periodontal Surgery. Gum surgery is needed when periodontitis is very advanced and tissues that hold a tooth in place are destroyed. The dentist or periodontist will clean out the infected area under the gum, then reshape or replace the damaged tooth-supporting tissues. These treatments increase the chances of saving the tooth.
If You Have Diabetes...
It's important for you to know how well your diabetes is controlled and to tell your dentist this information at each visit.
See your doctor before scheduling treatment for periodontal disease. Ask your doctor to talk to the dentist or periodontist about your overall medical condition before treatment begins.
You may need to change your meal schedule and the timing and dosage of your insulin if oral surgery is planned.
Postpone non-emergency dental procedures if your blood sugar is not in good control. However, acute infections, such as abscesses, should be treated right away.
For the person with controlled diabetes, periodontal or oral surgery can usually be done in the dentist's office. Because of diabetes, healing may take more time. But with good medical and dental care, problems after surgery are no more likely than for someone without diabetes.
Once the periodontal infection is successfully treated, it is often easier to control blood sugar levels.
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