You shouldn’t have to stress over your gum treatment.
Did you know that up to 80% of Canadians will experience periodontal (gum) disease at some point in their lives?
This relatively common condition typically begins when a patient neglects a proper daily oral hygiene routine, which should include twice-daily toothbrushing for two full minutes each time, in addition to once-daily flossing (never skip this step!). Without thorough daily cleaning, plaque bacteria will begin to build up and accumulate in a person’s mouth - wreaking havoc on the gums and smile.
Understanding the stages and treatment of gum disease
You’ve likely heard the term “gingivitis” before. This milder beginning stage of periodontal disease will advance to a more severe form of disease called “periodontitis” if professional treatment is neglected.
With that said, treatment of periodontal disease often involves a more aggressive cleaning approach referred to as scaling and root planing, or may involve one or several surgical procedures if the disease has progressed enough - such as a pocket reduction procedure, or gum grafting.
Luckily, sleep or sedation dentistry allows dentists like our compassionate Dr. Samuel Toong (who is a Certified Specialist in Dental Anaesthesia) to treat patients with significant gum disease with ease - while also ensuring a much more relaxing and pleasant experience for the patient.
Should I choose sedation dentistry to assist with my gum disease treatment?
Many severe cases of periodontal disease in a patient will actually require sedation with treatment, namely if the procedure is of a surgical nature. After a thorough oral evaluation, Dr.Toong will know if a patient should receive anaesthesia to assist in their procedure. This will be easily determined through taking a few factors into consideration, such as the severity of gum disease present, how long the treatment is expected to take, and the patient's unique medical history
Sleep dentistry is highly effective in allowing the dentist to work safely and with ease and efficiency. Sedation methods minimize the risk of any uncontrolled movement or jerking from the patient, which can make it nearly impossible for the dentist to perform the treatment. These services also allow for optimal patient cooperation, giving the dentist freedom to operate for as long as they need to without the patient having to suffer any feelings of discomfort or exhaustion.
Best of all, procedures that would require multiple visits can be completed in fewer or just a single session with the help of sedation services.
What if my gum treatment doesn’t require sleep dentistry?
Patients who experience dental anxiety or feelings of intense fear before their procedure (no matter what kind of procedure it may be), can always ask their dentist about whether or not sedation would be appropriate for them. The dentist will usually advise that the patient only use these services if their level of dental anxiety is severe.
It's safe to say that sleep and sedation dentistry can be a godsend for those who suffer from dental phobia and anxiety, and is also very helpful to dentists performing particular treatments.
Has it been over 6 to 9 months since your last check-up and cleaning?
These routine visits are designed to help patients prevent oral issues such as gum disease, while also identifying problems early before more extensive treatment approaches are needed.
Alternatively, if you’ve been experiencing any gum disease-related symptoms at all, our dentist is here to help - and you can rest assured that any anxiety you have about your visit or treatment can be managed with the help of our sedative options.
Asleep for Dentistry in Burlington offers many services to help you keep on top of your oral health. Schedule your visit with our friendly dentist and team today!
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