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Early medical intervention, combined with home oral care, can effectively treat aggressive periodontitis. Problems arising from aggressive periodontitis can often be resolved if the condition is contained and treated, so early detection and treatment are important. Once the condition has progressed to advanced stages, however, it may be impossible to reverse damage that has already occurred, tooth loss or tooth migration for example.
Aggressive periodontitis, like other forms of periodontitis, can be stopped, although sometimes it causes damage that can't be completely repaired. There is no single treatment that always works. Instead dentists rely on several approaches.
The first is good hygiene. By brushing and flossing, eating a healthy diet, not smoking, and following your dentist's instructions, you can do a lot to keep the disease in check. But to control aggressive periodontitis, you will probably need a dentist's help. One of the primary treatments is scaling and root planing, otherwise known as deep cleaning. In this treatment, a dentist or hygienist will use electrical or mechanical tools or a laser on your teeth to remove the plaque (or tartar) in which the bacteria live, both above and below the gum line. Planing smoothes the tooth surface, making it harder for bacteria to reattach. In some cases, periodontists may need to cut open a flap of gum to gain access to plaque deep below the gum line.
Another treatment is medication, which can take various forms. Most medications are antibiotics, but some are designed to reduce inflammation which can otherwise destroy healthy tissue.
Finally, periodontists may use bone or tissue grafts to replace tissue destroyed by the disease and to prevent bacteria from regaining access to pockets around the teeth.
The first is good hygiene. By brushing and flossing, eating a healthy diet, not smoking, and following your dentist's instructions, you can do a lot to keep the disease in check. But to control aggressive periodontitis, you will probably need a dentist's help. One of the primary treatments is scaling and root planing, otherwise known as deep cleaning. In this treatment, a dentist or hygienist will use electrical or mechanical tools or a laser on your teeth to remove the plaque (or tartar) in which the bacteria live, both above and below the gum line. Planing smoothes the tooth surface, making it harder for bacteria to reattach. In some cases, periodontists may need to cut open a flap of gum to gain access to plaque deep below the gum line.
Another treatment is medication, which can take various forms. Most medications are antibiotics, but some are designed to reduce inflammation which can otherwise destroy healthy tissue.
Finally, periodontists may use bone or tissue grafts to replace tissue destroyed by the disease and to prevent bacteria from regaining access to pockets around the teeth.
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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.