Treatment of gum disease

How is the treatment of gum recession carried out?

We have summarized the most important information on the treatment options for periodontal disease and the key facts on our website.

The treatment of gum recession, effective solutions for curing periodontal disease.

In the successful treatment of periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, the most critical components revolve around the timely recognition of symptoms and the immediate initiation of treatment under the guidance of a prepared periodontist. The effectiveness of treatments and the attainment of desired outcomes are maximized when therapeutic interventions commence at the earliest possible stage.

Our aim in treating periodontal diseases is to eliminate the inflammatory factors, establish an inflammation-free state, and sustain this healthy condition over the long term. Furthermore, within the realm of our capabilities, we endeavor to restore the original tissue state using various regenerative, bone-replacement procedures. While regenerative procedures function effectively and reliably, they do have their limitations.

The treatment of inflammatory conditions affecting the periodontium consists of two main components: non-surgical (conservative) therapy and, in some cases, surgical or regenerative surgical therapy. The latter is not always necessary, as the treatment plan, including which phases and types of treatment are required for a particular patient, is determined following specialist consultation and diagnosis. Whether conservative or surgical therapy is employed, there may be occasions where it is appropriate to supplement treatment with antibiotic therapy, a decision best made by the patient's periodontist.

We always perform our treatments under local anesthesia to ensure that the procedures are painless for the patient. Of course, when necessary, it is also possible to perform periodontal interventions under general anesthesia. In such cases, additional examinations and anesthesiological consultations may be required to meet the patient's needs.

Supra gingival professional tartar removal

Essentially, this is traditional tartar removal, complemented by a few specialized tools, utilized for treating gum inflammation. During the procedure, we employ an ultrasonic device called a scaler to cleanse the tooth surfaces. In hard-to-reach areas, we utilize very fine, thin manual instruments.

Following this, we polish the cleaned surfaces using special pastes or a sandblaster. Professional cleaning above the gumline is painless and typically takes one or two sessions. In cases of mild gum inflammation, no further treatment is necessary, only close monitoring and regular maintenance.

A more comfortable approach to tartar removal for new patients is the so-called guided biofilm therapy. You can read more about it by clicking on the link.

During closed curettage, manual instruments are used to clean deep below the gumline, effectively removing deposits of plaque and tartar. If no surgical intervention is needed, maintaining an inflammation-free state requires regular check-ups and cleaning. The procedure begins with anesthesia to ensure the patient's comfort, followed by manual cleaning of the tooth and root surfaces. The instruments used are Gracey curettes, which are customized for each tooth group to provide optimal access to the tooth surfaces. Mechanical cleaning is supplemented with an ultrasonic device. Following cleaning, the pockets are rinsed with chlorhexidine or hydrogen peroxide to reduce bacterial count. Cold sensitivity may occur after periodontal closed curettage, but patients often report a clean and pleasant sensation afterward. With the subsiding inflammation, mobile teeth stabilize, allowing even mobile teeth with sufficient surrounding bone to be preserved.

Full mouth cleaning

During full-mouth disinfection, we swiftly implement elements of conservative therapy. This involves using ultrasonic devices and closed curettage to thoroughly clean and disinfect every tooth surface. Additionally, antibiotic therapy may be employed as a supplement. The advantage of this intervention is that it prevents a previously cleaned surface from being reinfected by an as-yet untreated surface, as all gum areas and pockets are treated simultaneously or in quick succession.

2. Surgical Treatment of Periodontal Disease

Surgical procedures aimed at treating inflammatory conditions of the periodontium involve interventions targeting the gum tissue with the goal of eliminating inflammation. Below, we summarize the various types of surgical procedures and their key aspects.

Gum recession surgery, open periodontal curettage

Open curettage, often incorrectly referred to as "open curett," is another term for gum recession surgery. This procedure is closely related to the previously discussed closed curettage, as open curettage is typically preceded by closed curettage in nearly every case. Following closed curettage, the gums become less inflamed, allowing for the performance of surgery. The purpose of open curettage is twofold. Firstly, it aims to thoroughly eliminate any remaining tartar residue not removed during the closed intervention. Secondly, it seeks to maximize tissue regeneration. When inflammation is so severe that it cannot be resolved through closed treatment alone, surgical periodontal intervention or surgical cleaning may be necessary. Gum recession surgery involves flap elevation, preceded by anesthesia. After numbness sets in, an incision is made in the gum tissue to expose the underlying surfaces of the teeth. Since the treated area is visible, it can be thoroughly cleaned.

During this process, various regenerative techniques and "bone replacement" materials (such as Emdogain®-Straumann) can save even teeth in questionable conditions. Following the cleaning of tooth surfaces during surgery, we apply a special method to prepare the surfaces, followed by the application of regenerative material to areas where bone rebuilding is the goal. Regenerative surgery works particularly well in certain pocket shapes. Gum recession surgery concludes with the placement of sutures. After open curettage or regenerative surgery, the gums become inflammation-free and contract, becoming firm and healthy. Maintaining this condition is achieved through close follow-up and perfect oral hygiene.

When is it possible to save mobile teeth, and when is it necessary to remove them?

In the context of treating gum recession, our patients often ask the question: what determines whether a mobile tooth can be saved or if its treatment is hopeless, and extraction is the only solution? It's important to note that the most common cause of mobile teeth is bone loss due to periodontal disease, but there can be other reasons for increased tooth mobility. One such triggering factor could be tooth overload, which, even with maintained bone support, can lead to tooth mobility. However, gum recession is most often the cause of such easily identifiable changes.

During the treatment of periodontal disease, we must decide whether extraction or tooth preservation is the better option. We always evaluate the remaining bone structure surrounding the tooth. If it is sufficient, strengthening mobile teeth is possible with appropriate treatment. When assessing bone structure, we consider the number of roots and the relationship between roots and bone. In the case of multi-rooted teeth, increased mobility typically indicates significant bone loss. It's also critical to evaluate the level of infection between the roots, as cleaning in this area is often more challenging. Despite maintained bone support, extraction is sometimes recommended for multi-rooted teeth due to the difficulty of controlling the process initiated between the roots. Conversely, for single-rooted teeth, even with advanced bone loss and significant mobility, tooth preservation is often aimed for as cleanliness and manageability are much simpler. Splinting mobile teeth can also be a solution, especially for front teeth, as part of gum recession treatment. Splinting increases the stability of teeth. By eliminating acute inflammation, mobile teeth can strengthen and become usable again. Saving mobile teeth is not feasible at home, so it's essential to consult a professional if you experience such symptoms.

Replacement of lost teeth due to gum recession

The treatment of gum recession is not limited to achieving an inflammation-free state, as replacing loosened and removed teeth is crucial for restoring dental integrity.

Dental implantation for gum recession

In all cases, the restoration of teeth lost due to gum recession through dental implantation should be considered. In this scenario, we do not overload the remaining teeth affected by gum recession, but rather utilize independent, stable support pillars, implants, to bear the chewing forces.

Tooth replacement for gum recession

In cases of gum recession, we often have to part with teeth with hopeless prognoses, making tooth replacement very common among periodontal patients.

Whether it's for implants or for dental restorations prepared on the remaining teeth, the key element in both cases is to ensure the creation of high-quality dental restorations (crowns, bridges) that are precisely fitting and adequately cleanable. This ensures the long-term preservation of an inflammation-free state. The importance of this cannot be overstated, as a poor dental restoration can ruin what we have worked hard to achieve over many years.

The duration of periodontal disease treatment

In cases of advanced periodontal disease, preserving teeth and replacing missing teeth with precise dental restorations created through meticulous medical and laboratory work is necessary and is a sufficient condition for recovery, but it takes time. Depending on the complexity and intricacy of the case, a complete treatment series can last from 2-3 months to as long as one and a half years. This doesn't mean that the patient "moves in" to the dental office; rather, it indicates that complete rehabilitation can take this long, especially when addressing tooth loss or the use of dental implants to distribute chewing forces.

Treatment of gum disease at home

Against gum disease, there are several things you can do at home, but the most important is to maintain perfect oral hygiene. To achieve this, numerous tools (toothbrush, interdental brushes, dental floss, superfloss) are available, and our periodontologist colleagues and dental hygienists will thoroughly explain their use during interventions. While treating gum disease at home is not possible, maintaining the achieved state and preventing the development of more serious problems is feasible. Proper brushing technique and the use of supplementary tools collectively help maintain stable oral health. Beyond professional dental treatment, therefore, home oral hygiene plays a crucial role. Many people try everything to successfully treat gum disease at home. While this may suffice for preventive or maintenance purposes, it does not provide a genuine cure or causal therapy. Commonly employed home remedies include using baking soda against gum recession, as well as brushing with mouthwash, but these methods at best offer symptomatic relief.

Toothpaste for gum disease

A common misconception is that herbal remedies or toothpaste alone are sufficient to stop or treat gum disease. The natural remedy for gum disease is to keep the teeth and gums clean and free from inflammation. While there are toothpaste and herbal products specifically developed for gum disease, they are considered supplementary aids at best.

The relationship between gum disease and mouthwash

Various mouthwashes are available on the market, which have effective anti-inflammatory properties. It is important to note that these are recommended for intermittent use, as adjuncts to dental interventions (e.g., mouthwash regimen after periodontal surgery). The reason for this is that most mouthwashes, when used more frequently, can cause irritation of the oral mucosa.

Gum disease treatment costs

The price of gum disease treatment greatly depends on the type of periodontal intervention chosen. Often, a combination of treatment types is necessary. In addition to the type of gum disease treatment, factors such as the extent of required intervention and the quantity of adjunct materials to be used (bone graft material) also influence the cost. The prices for individual periodontal interventions can be found at the bottom of the page and are available under dental price list.

The treatment of gum disease remains a neglected area in dentistry even today, which underscores the importance of seeking expert assistance if you experience symptoms such as gum bleeding or other indications of periodontal disease. Helvetic Clinics Budapest is a suitable choice for gum disease treatment, as it boasts several periodontal specialists specialized in the treatment of gum disease. Feel free to schedule an appointment at 053 930 1323, and we will be more than happy to assist you!

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions about Gum Disease Treatment