Once you’ve been diagnosed with gum disease, you should have it treated as soon as possible; ignoring the issue for too long can lead to tooth loss and other dire consequences. That being said, you should make sure you have a clear idea of what to expect before moving forward with the process. As such, it’s a good idea to ask your dentist the following 3 questions prior to your gum disease treatment.
1. What Treatment Options are Available?
There’s more than one way to treat gum disease. The method that your periodontist recommends will largely depend on how severe the condition currently is. It’s always helpful to know what your options are, so don’t hesitate to ask your periodontist what solutions they offer for infected gums.
Sufficiently advanced forms of gum disease often call for a deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing. The scaling step involves removing plaque and tartar from around and below your gumline. Root planing is when the roots of your teeth are smoothed out so that bacteria can’t accumulate on them as easily in the future.
2. What Kind of Sedation Do You Offer?
If you’re nervous about undergoing gum disease treatment, you may benefit from sedation dentistry. The right form of sedation can go a long way toward helping you stay as relaxed as possible while you’re in the treatment chair.
Many periodontists offer oral conscious sedation, which involves taking a pill at a certain time before your appointment so that you’re already in a relaxed state when your treatment begins. Alternatively, IV sedation may be available; this approach involves delivering the sedative directly into your veins so that it takes effect almost immediately. Feel free to ask your periodontist what forms of sedation dentistry they offer and which one might be the best choice for you.
3. How Often Will I Need Follow-Up Appointments?
If your gum disease has already reached its advanced stages, it can no longer be cured entirely; your only option is to manage it so that it doesn’t grow worse. As such, even after your gum disease treatment, you should plan on seeing your dentist for regular follow-up visits so that they can keep an eye on the health of your gums. The frequency of these visits can vary depending on your needs.
In addition to the questions listed above, be sure to let your periodontist know if you have any other inquiries regarding gum disease treatment. It’s important to feel like you’re as well-informed as possible when making decisions regarding your oral health.
About the Author
Dr. David Handsman earned a Masters of Dental Surgery in periodontology at the University of Tennessee. He is currently a highly respected member of the periodontal community who holds membership with the American Academy of Periodontology and other organizations. At Handsman & Haddad Periodontics in Worcester, he helps patients get their gum disease under control with gentle, thorough scaling and root planing. If you’re in need of gum disease treatment, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Handsman by visiting his website or calling (508) 753-5444.
