If you have a serious case of gum disease and deep gum pockets, your dentist may advise you to go through a scaling or a root planing where bacteria, plaque, and damaged tissues are removed from below the gum line. The procedure is often quite successful in reducing gum disease issues and allowing your gums to heal. Once the scaling is completed, there are certain medications and treatments performed to retain your oral health. Keep reading to learn about a few.
Antimicrobial Rinse
The gums can remain raw and inflammed for some time after your scaling treatment. During this period of inflammation, bacteria can easily gather in gum pockets and the tissue infection can continue. To keep this from happening, you will likely be asked to use a special prescription mouth rinse for several weeks or longer. The rinse kills the bacteria and the fungal cells in your mouth that can contribute to gum disease, cavities, thrush, and other oral health issues.
You should use the prescription rinse as suggested for the recommended time period. If you notice that your gums appear red or if they start to bleed or swell up more significantly, then speak with your dentist. The professional can offer you oral antibiotics to better control bacterial activity. Serious infections may also require the use of a low-dose and long term antibiotic, so ask your dentist if this is right for you.
Antimicrobial Chips
Gum pockets that are deep and wide sometimes cannot be closed up completely. In this situation, your dentist may opt for the placement of antibacterial chips directly in the gum pockets. The chips are pieces of gelatin and release chlorhexidine, which is the same active ingredient used as a rinse after root scaling.
The gelatin releases the antimicrobial slowly so you can receive long-term care of the gum pockets. A gel is sometimes used as well and is packed into each gum pocket. The gel works a lot like the chips, but it also shrinks the tissues while providing medication.
Small and round spheres are sometimes used too, and contain the same types of antimicrobial compounds as the chips and gels. The spheres are smaller though, so if you have deep pockets that are not wide, these may be used instead of another option.
If you want to know more about gum disease and the types of medications and products that may be used after a scaling is completed, make sure to speak with a dentist, like those at Belgrade Dental Associates.
Share24 July 2018
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