Soft Tissue Management in Greenfield
What Is Soft Tissue Management and When Is it Needed?
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a problem for many adults. When it’s not promptly addressed with treatment, it can progress from gingivitis, which can be reversed, to periodontitis, which cannot be reversed. Unfortunately, it can even result in the loss of teeth and bone. At Kraklow Quality Dentistry, we aim to ensure that gum disease can be addressed through a process known as soft tissue management.
How Do You Develop Gum Disease?
Gum disease gradually develops over the course of years. When you don’t practice proper oral hygiene, it can begin to develop as bacteria buildup on your gums and under the gum line. This buildup of bacteria is actually plaque, a sticky substance that cannot simply be cleaned away through brushing your teeth alone. If you don’t regularly floss between your teeth and in the gum line at the base of each tooth, plaque can erode away at the gums and enamel and cause gum disease.
In addition to poor oral hygiene causing gum disease, it can also be caused by smoking, genetics, crooked teeth, hormonal changes from pregnancy, and even aging.
Although gum disease can be permanent if it develops to periodontitis, it can be treated with soft tissue management.
What Is Soft Tissue Management?
With the right type of gum disease treatment, you can preserve your teeth and gums. A soft tissue management plan can keep your periodontal disease under control. The treatment plan typically includes the following:
- Dental exam: A thorough exam is performed, and the pockets in your gums are measured to determine the severity of your gum disease and its stage.
- Root planing and scaling: These procedures involve a deep cleaning to eliminate all the plaque and tartar from your teeth and under the gum line.
- Medicating: You are then treated with antibacterial medication as part of your gum disease treatment to eliminate excess bacteria and promote the healing of the gums.
- Home oral hygiene plan: You are given a home oral hygiene plan that can help you manage your gum disease and keep your gums healthy.
What Else Should You Do Besides Seek Gum Disease Treatment?
In order to keep your gums as healthy as possible after your gum disease treatment, you should follow up with regular dental appointments with Dr. Kraklow. While checkups every six months are recommended for patients without periodontal disease, it’s better to come in every three months for evaluation, maintenance, and dental cleanings.
Contact Kraklow Quality Dentistry to schedule a consultation about gum disease treatment.