How do Periodontists Reduce Pain for Oral Surgeries?

What Do Periodontists Do?

They are types of dentists who cater to the health and wellness of the periodontium. It refers to the gums and the surrounding soft tissues. Periodontists are well known for treating different stages of gum disease, that is:

• Gingivitis is the initial stage of gums disease that mostly affects the gums on the surface.
• Periodontitis is an advanced gum infection stage that affects the gums and jawbone. The symptoms of periodontitis are far worse than gingivitis.

How Does Oral Surgery Treat Periodontal Disease?

Oral surgery for periodontal disease entails repairing and restoring damaged tissues in the oral cavity. It entails using a new gum graft from a different part of your oral cavity to restore the damaged portion. Sometimes your oral surgeon can extract the graft from another human donor or synthetic source.

Aside from repairing your gums, the dentist may recommend a different surgery to repair your jawbone. However, it is not very common for periodontal patients unless they want to replace their teeth with dental implants.

How Will You Know You Need Surgery for Your Gums?

Some of the factors that can help you warm up to the idea of surgery for your gums are:

• Large gum pockets at the base of your teeth
• A buildup of plaque or tartar on your teeth – is usually a pale yellow crust that does not come out when your brush your teeth.
• Receding gums – typically when gums start pulling away from your teeth.
• Mouth sores may turn into wounds and do not heal well.
• Shaky teeth
• Spaces forming between teeth – you will initially notice black triangles in your smile, also called open gingival embrasures.
• Exposed tooth roots that increase sensitivity
• Jaw and gum pain when you chew
• Tooth loss

How to Reduce Pain During Treatments?

When your dentist in Knoxville, TN, begins your periodontal treatment near you, two major steps will accord you a pain-free process:

• Local anesthesia numbs your mouth before any dental work begins. You will not feel pain when your mouth is numb, even as the dentist cuts your gums. The numbing will keep you from feeling any sensations for a few hours after your surgery.
• Sedation dentistry entails administering sedative medications to relax your body and brain. Dr. Terrie Cribbs in TLC Dental Care typically employs sedation dentistry to perform intricate dental protocols. Sedation dentistry will help you sit still without being anxious or fearful of the dental work for periodontal surgery. Sedation dentistry also helps overcome dental anxiety and severe gag reflexes that may tamper with a successful periodontal surgery.

Is Surgery the Only Treatment Option Available?

There are multiple periodontal treatments near you. Dentists only employ surgery for severely damaged gums that need reinforcement with gum grafts. Otherwise, a dentist near you can offer other periodontal treatments like:

• Anti-inflammatory and pain medication manages the pain and swelling in your gums. Your dentist may also administer other drugs like topical antiseptics or penicillin to destroy microorganisms in your gums.
• Deep cleaning involves cleaning procedures that remove plaque and tartar from your teeth’ surfaces and the gum folds. Deep cleaning procedures for treating periodontal diseases include root planing and scaling. The processes entail thoroughly cleaning the pockets around teeth and smoothening tooth roots to prevent further infection.
• Tooth extraction – the severe periodontal disease will weaken your jawbone and cause your teeth to start shaking and falling off. Sometimes, emergency dentists in Knoxville will recommend urgent toot extractions as a treatment option for periodontitis.
• Lifestyle changes – even before visiting a dental clinic in Knoxville, start making a few changes in your daily routines to help treat your gum disease. Some of the changes you must make include quitting smoking and alcohol consumption.
• Hormone therapy – women with severe hormonal imbalances may need medication to balance their hormonal levels and manage gum disease.