Is It Possible to Cure Gum Disease?

Gum disease might seem like a mild dental issue at first, but if it’s left unaddressed for too long, it can result in major oral health complications. To keep your smile safe, you’ll naturally want to see your dentist as soon as possible to have your gum disease treated. But can the problem truly be cured for good? Here’s what you need to know to protect your gum health.

The Different Stages of Gum Disease

Before answering the question of whether gum disease can be cured, it’s important to note that the condition has two major stages: gingivitis and periodontitis.

Gingivitis is the early form of gum disease that occurs when harmful oral bacteria accumulate on your teeth and gums. The bacteria irritate your gum tissue, leading to inflammation. Oftentimes, gingivitis causes your gums to bleed easily, which you might notice when brushing or flossing.

Untreated gingivitis eventually turns into periodontitis. At this stage, bacteria have started to attack the bone and gum tissue that hold your teeth in place. Your gums may start to recede, and your teeth might come loose or even fall out altogether.

So, Can Gum Disease Be Cured?

In cases where gum disease is still in the gingivitis stage, the answer is yes. If you visit your dentist, they can often reverse your gingivitis with a thorough professional cleaning. Practicing good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing twice a day can also help.

However, if gingivitis has already turned into periodontitis, it can no longer be completely cured. At that point, your only option is to manage your condition so that your smile doesn’t suffer any further damage.

How Can Gum Disease Be Treated?

In many cases, your dentist might recommend a procedure called scaling and root planing to address your gum disease. The treatment involves removing bacteria from around and below your gumline. The roots of your teeth will be smoothed out to encourage the gums to heal and reattach themselves.

If harmful bacteria have already reached the jawbone, your dentist might have to perform surgery to remove them. During the surgery, the gums will be pulled back so that the underlying bone can be cleaned.

Additional treatments might be required depending on your needs. For example, if the jawbone has degenerated due to gum disease, the lost tissue can be replaced with a bone graft.

Even if periodontitis can’t be fully cured, it doesn’t have to result in tooth loss. You can give yourself the best possible chance of protecting your smile by acting quickly to have your gum disease diagnosed and treated by an expert.

About the Author

Dr. J. Peter St. Clair has been practicing dentistry since 1995. He has made a point of keeping up with the latest dental technology so that he can continue bringing his patients the highest degree of care. His practice in Rowley offers scaling and root planing as well as other treatments that can be used to manage gum disease. To schedule a consultation with Dr. St. Clair, visit his website or call (978) 948-2030.