Can Periodontal Disease Be Reversed?

If you’re dealing with gum disease, you might be wondering if there’s anything you can do to reverse its effects and restore your oral health.

Well, the short answer is yes, but only under certain conditions. Keep reading this blog post to understand everything you need to know about reversing gum disease.
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Can Gums Recover from Periodontal Disease?

The answer depends on how this condition has affected your gums. For example, severe cases of periodontal disease lead to gum retraction, which essentially means the gums slowly pull back from the tooth and expose more and more of this root. 

Your gums can recover in the sense that you can prevent the condition from getting worse, reduce inflammation, and make your gums healthy.

But gum tissue cannot grow back, so the effects of gum retraction are permanent. You will need additional treatments, such as a gum graft, to replace the lost tissue.
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The Stages of Gum Disease and When It Can Be Reversed

Gum disease has two stages:
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1. Early Stage: Gingivitis

By this point, you’re only experiencing the first signs of gum disease, such as gum tenderness, swelling, and minor bleeding. 

However, gingivitis doesn’t cause permanent damage to your gums and teeth, so its effects can be reversed with swift dental care. 
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2. Advanced Gum Disease: Periodontitis

If gingivitis is left unchecked, the inflammation worsens and eventually becomes periodontitis. This is where permanent damage like gum retraction can start to happen.

Here, your teeth can look longer, and you’ll also experience heightened sensitivity to heat and cold. If you don’t get treatment as soon as possible, periodontitis can cause your teeth to loosen, migrate, and even lead to permanent tooth loss.

The effects of periodontitis can’t be reversed, but with swift care, you can stop the disease from progressing. Then, you may be able to access additional dental treatment to repair whatever damage has occurred.
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As a Patient, What Can I Do?

If you notice signs of gingivitis or periodontitis, you should see a dentist as soon as possible.

You’ll need a deep cleaning to remove all the plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth and prevent the condition from getting worse. Sometimes, a topical antibiotic gel may be applied to fight the infection.

If the condition has led to gum retraction or other damage, don’t give up hope. Your dentist may still be able to restore your oral health through several procedures, depending on your case:

• Gum contouring or grafts
• Dental bridges
• Implants
• Dentures, etc.
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Restore Your Gum Health at Dr. Aaron Ward Periodontics and Dental Implants

Spotted the signs of gum disease? No matter how advanced, Dr. Aaron Ward is here to help with professional periodontal care and smile restoration procedures. 

Request a visit to Dr. Aaron Ward Periodontics and Dental Implants online or call us at (801) 394-6651 for more information.