How Long Does Periodontal Treatment Take?
Treatment for periodontal disease may be daunting for some patients and stir up some nerves. Many patients may also be anxious to get their gums healthy again. This blog discusses how the type of treatment you are receiving will affect how long the treatment takes and the recovery time to get your gums back to a healthy state.
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Unpacking Nerves About Periodontal Treatment
For many people, it can be anxiety-inducing when oral health problems like gum disease arise. Most of us want to have “picture-perfect” smiles, with healthy white teeth that we can carefreely show off in everyday life. Yet teeth cannot be healthy and look their best if the gum health is poor. Gums play a vital role in oral health and maintaining a stunning smile. When the gums are unhealthy, it is common to experience redness, swelling, and bleeding in the gums, especially after brushing or flossing.
Periodontal disease, also commonly called gum disease, negatively affects the gums and can cause tooth loss if not treated in time. Since preserving gum health and teeth is dependent on efficient treatment, it is essential to seek treatment as soon as possible. However, some patients may be nervous about periodontal treatment, particularly with how long treatment will take and recovery times.
Dr. Afshin Salamati understands that patients may be uncertain about treatment. He practices gentle and compassionate patient care at his office so patients feel welcomed and confident in their treatment plans.
What Factors Affect How Long Periodontal Treatment Takes?
Since there are different types of periodontal disease, the right treatment for each patient will vary. This also means that treatment and potential recovery time will be dependent on the type of treatment selected.
Extent of Gum Correction Needed
When determining which treatment will best suit your oral health needs, Dr. Salamati will examine your gums to gauge the extent of correction needed. More mild cases of periodontal disease can often be treated with a deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing. Depending on the quality of the gums, a deep cleaning may take one to two hours or longer. Typically, if the deep cleaning will take longer than two hours, your dentist will split the treatment up into multiple appointments.
Type of Treatment
Periodontal disease patients can expect the following treatment options:
- Deep cleaning (scaling and root planing)
- Regenerative procedures
- Crown lengthening
- Gum graft surgery (soft tissue grafts)
- Pocket reduction surgery
Recovery Times
As expected, recovery will depend on the type of treatment. After a deep cleaning, you may feel some discomfort, and your teeth will be sensitive. You may need to avoid hot and cold foods and beverages to allow your mouth time to adjust. More extensive procedures, such as gum graft surgery and pocket reduction surgery, may require a longer recovery. Swelling and bleeding can often be expected, and you may be given pain medications to help aid in recovery.
Have More Questions About Periodontal Treatment in Los Angeles, CA?
If you think you may have gum issues or are currently struggling with periodontal disease, early detection, and treatment are essential for restoring healthy gums and creating a beautiful smile. A consultation with an expert periodontist like Dr. Salamati can give you answers about your gum health. During a consultation, Dr. Salamati will evaluate your teeth and gums and determine if you have periodontal disease. Dr. Salamati will make a treatment plan based on the stage of periodontal disease and let you know what next steps need to be taken.
If you have more questions about periodontal treatment or would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Salamati, call us at 310-275-1090 or complete our online message form.