What Is Soft Tissue Management?
Periodontal (gum) disease is a serious chronic condition that is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. At Kraklow Quality Dentistry, our goal is to ensure our valued patients maintain healthy teeth and gums throughout their lives. One way we do that is by treating and managing periodontal disease through what we call a soft tissue management (STM) plan.
How Does Periodontal Disease Develop?
Poor oral hygiene is the primary cause of periodontal disease. It all starts with plaque, a sticky, colorless film of bacteria. If it is not cleaned off by brushing, flossing, and routine dental cleanings, the bacteria irritate the gums, causing inflammation and pulling the gum tissue from the teeth. The resulting spaces, known as pockets, trap plaque and debris, providing an ideal environment for bacteria to flourish. Other factors contributing to gum disease are family history, crooked teeth, smoking, aging, and hormonal changes during pregnancy.
Gum Disease Overview
Gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease, is usually reversible through professional care and meticulous home oral hygiene practices. Untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, destroying the bones and tissues supporting the teeth. That results in loose teeth and potentially tooth loss. Periodontitis symptoms include spaces between the teeth due to gum recession, tooth misalignment, painful chewing, and bad breath.
Studies have linked periodontal disease to many life-threatening conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and more. At Kraklow Quality Dentistry, we design STM plans to treat and manage gum inflammation to restore healthy gums and confident smiles.
What Is a Soft Tissue Management Plan?
STM is an advanced nonsurgical plan of action created to put a stop to periodontal disease’s ravaging effects and keep it under control. An STM plan typically consists of the following:
Dental Exam: We will perform a thorough periodontal exam to determine your gums’ health and measure the depth of the pockets. The results of our evaluation will determine the stage and severity of the condition.
Scaling and Root Planing: The nonsurgical deep cleaning involves removing plaque and tartar buildup on the teeth and above and below the gum line, then smoothing out rough spots on the tooth roots to discourage future plaque buildup and promote gum reattachment to the tooth surfaces.
Irrigating Treated Areas With Medication: We will irrigate the treated areas with an antimicrobial product to eliminate bacteria and promote gum healing.
Home Oral Hygiene Regimen: A meticulous oral hygiene plan is an integral component of any periodontal disease management plan. We will work with you to develop an oral hygiene regimen to maintain your gum health.
Periodontal Maintenance
We may recommend periodontal maintenance visits every three months. We will clean your teeth, measure the depth of the pockets, and evaluate your gum health.
How Can You Prevent Periodontal Disease?
The best and most effective way to prevent periodontal disease is to maintain proper oral hygiene practices, including daily brushing and flossing, and visiting Kraklow Quality Dentistry twice a year for your routine dental exams and cleanings. Taking the time to care for your oral health is well worth the effort!
Quality Periodontal Care in Near Me
Contact Kraklow Quality Dentistry in Milwaukee, WI, to learn more about the prevention, treatment, and management of gum disease. We look forward to helping you smile and feel your best. Call us and schedule your appointment today!