How can I reduce my gum pocket size?
Small pockets of 4 or 5 mm may be reduced in size with professional dental cleanings along with aggressive at-home oral hygiene habits. Your dentist will recommend you brush and floss at least twice daily. You may also be given an antibacterial mouthwash.
Can LANAP reduce pockets?
A patient with early-stage gum disease can be helped by LANAP treatment. Such patients usually have fairly deep gum pockets that are at least five millimeters deep. LANAP can clear those deep pockets and treat the infection.
How do you reduce pocket depth?
Procedure Overview
- First, the gum is lifted & rolled back, creating a gum flap, which allows bacteria & tartar to be removed from areas of the tooth & root normally covered by gum tissue.
- The area is sealed off & the gum flap is sewn shut so that the pocket depth is reduced.
Is pocket reduction surgery necessary?
Pocket reduction is a surgical procedure to remove harmful bacteria trapped in the space between gums and teeth. While scaling and root planing can help treat mild cases of gum disease, pocket reduction surgery is often necessary when the oral infection has reached an advanced stage.
Can 6mm gum pockets be reversed?
With proper treatment and preventive care, most people only see periodontal pocket depths between 4mm and 6mm. In extreme cases where gum disease is left untreated, periodontal pocket depts can reach 10mm or deeper, and at this point, the damage will likely need to be repaired with surgical grafting procedures.
Can Waterpik reverse periodontal disease?
Treating Periodontitis
Clinical research shows that for reversing gingivitis and improving gum health the Waterpik® Water Flosser was up to 50% more effective than traditional string floss and up to 80% more effective than Sonicare® Air Floss (model HX8181).
Is LANAP covered by insurance?
Will insurance companies cover the LANAP protocol? Like with any disease condition, insurance companies usually have coverage for treatment. Periodontal disease treatment is covered by most insurance carriers, but varies by carrier and clinician.
Is LANAP better than flap surgery?
Because LANAP surgery is performed without making incisisions, it is a much less invasive and cleaner procedure than traditional flap surgery. Patients experience far less sensitivity, bleeding and have a significantly reduced risk of infection.
How deep should gum pockets be?
In a healthy mouth, the pocket depth is usually between 1 and 3 millimeters (mm). Pockets deeper than 4 mm may indicate periodontitis. Pockets deeper than 5 mm cannot be cleaned well.
Can you reverse deep gum pockets?
The key thing to reversing gum disease is removing the tartar that’s present on both the root of your teeth and under your gum line. Periodontitis can’t be reversed, only slowed down, while gingivitis can be reversed.
How painful is pocket reduction surgery?
You’ll likely have some mild to moderate discomfort for a few days after pocket reduction surgery. However, over-the-counter painkillers and ice packs can reduce the pain and swelling. There’s a risk of infection and continuous bleeding as well. If your symptoms persist for more than three days, contact the dentist.
When is it too late for gum grafting?
A periodontist may suggest other treatment options or surgery depending on your oral health. By treating it early, you can reduce the risk of adverse health effects. In any case, it’s never too late to seek a diagnosis for gum grafting treatment with our Waldorf MD Periodontist.
Is it too late to save my gums?
It’s never too late to seek treatment for gum disease, and the degree of treatment you require will depend on how advanced it is.
What is the best mouthwash to use for periodontal disease?
Top 3 Best Mouthwash for Periodontal Disease
- TheraBreath Periodontist Recommended Healthy Gums Oral Rinse.
- Crest Pro-Health Gum and Breath Purify Mouthwash.
- Colgate Peroxyl Antiseptic Mouthwash and Mouth Sore Rinse, 1.5% Hydrogen Peroxide.
Does peroxide help with periodontal disease?
Hydrogen peroxide may also be used in treatments for gum diseases, as it releases oxygen that works to destroy the bacterial biofilm that makes up dental plaque, the primary cause of gum disease.
Do gums grow back after LANAP?
Instead of physically removing the bacteria, LANAP corrects gum disease by targeting the damaged tissue, leaving the healthy gum and bone unimpacted. Once this process is complete, the gums are able to grow back to their original position, though a gum graft or Pinhole Surgical Technique may also need to be performed.
Can LANAP fail?
Smoking and diabetes are the leading causes of gum disease and failure of LANAP and need to be controlled to get a positive result from your treatment.
Are 5 mm pockets reversible?
In most cases, the damage will not be completely reversible, but if you follow the treatment and prevention plan laid out by your dentist, you should be able to see significant improvement. Most people are able to reclaim a 4mm to 5mm pocket depth with proper treatment and ongoing periodontal maintenance.
How long do periodontal pockets take to heal?
The length of time it will take your gums to heal depends on the severity of your gum disease. It can take anywhere from 2 – 4 weeks, while deeper pockets can take months to completely heal. Because your mouth will be tender and inflamed, a soft food diet is advised for the first few days.
Is gum grafting worth it?
Gum grafting boasts high success rates of over 90%. This procedure gives you the best chance of treating gum recession and improving your overall oral health. Left untreated, gum recession can result in cavities, severe gum disease, tooth mobility and even eventual tooth loss.
Is there an alternative to gum grafting?
One of the more popular alternatives to having a traditional gum graft performed is a newer procedure called the Pinhole Surgical Technique. Much like orthoscopic/laparoscopic surgery, this minimally invasive procedure corrects gum recession by making a small hole in your gumline.
What toothpaste helps with periodontal disease?
Numerous products have been approved by the FDA as effective in fighting off gum disease, including Colgate Total, a fluoride and triclosan toothpaste.
Is Waterpik Good for periodontal disease?
Dentists also recommend Water Flossing as a gentle and effective way to continue to treat your periodontal disease at home: 1, Use a Water Flosser at least daily. Water Flossing is easier on the gums and 29 percent more effective at removing plaque than string flossing.
What mouthwash is good for periodontal disease?
Top 3 Best Mouthwash for Periodontal Disease
- TheraBreath Periodontist Recommended Healthy Gums Oral Rinse.
- Crest Pro-Health Gum and Breath Purify Mouthwash.
- Colgate Peroxyl Antiseptic Mouthwash and Mouth Sore Rinse, 1.5% Hydrogen Peroxide.
How painful is LANAP surgery?
It’s painful.
Despite anesthetic, the use of a scalpel to remove tissue means recovery will be painful. Your periodontist may prescribe medications to help you manage the pain, but even then, there is still a level of discomfort.