If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, then you may be at a greater risk of developing periodontal disease. While periodontal disease is more common in diabetics who have poorly controlled diabetes, it can still develop in diabetics whose blood sugar levels are well managed. Here are some periodontal disease treatment options to consider if you have diabetes. 

Scaling And Root Planing

Scaling and root planing is a dental procedure that is also known as a "deep cleaning." During this procedure, the dentist removes hard calculus and plaque from underneath your gums, while smoothing damaged or rough surfaces of the roots of your teeth. Over time, this can help shrink periodontal pockets so that your gums can reattach themselves to your teeth. In addition, when periodontal pockets are smaller, they may be less likely to get infected, further exacerbating your periodontal disease.

Periodontal pockets are openings or gaps underneath your gum line that surround your teeth. Once they fill up with bacteria or pus, you may be at risk for loose teeth or tooth loss. Because diabetes causes abnormal changes in the blood vessels, sub-optimal circulation may prevent nutrients from keeping the gums and underlying bones that support your teeth healthy. 

Diabetic Management And Periodontal Surgery

Another component of your periodontal disease treatment plan is to make sure that your diabetes is being well-managed by your primary care physician or your endocrinologist. To maintain tight control over your blood sugar levels, take all of your prescribed anti-glycemic medications, maintain a healthy weight, get regular exercise, and follow your therapeutic diet. These interventions will help promote healthy blood vessels, including those that supply blood and nutrients to your gum tissue.

If you have periodontal disease, your dentist may refer you to a periodontist, a gum specialist. Periodontal surgery is done to reshape your gum tissue or to replace the unhealthy tissue with a tissue graft. Another type of periodontal surgery that diabetics may benefit from is a procedure to reduce the size of their periodontal pockets.

Before your periodontist recommends the appropriate type of surgery, they will need to perform a comprehensive dental examination and they may also need to consult with the doctor who is managing your diabetes. 

If you have periodontal disease, see both your dentist and your primary care physician regularly. When both of these healthcare providers are monitoring and treating your diabetes and periodontal disease, you may be more likely to enjoy the benefits of successful treatment.