Periodontal Disease

Periodontal, or Gum, disease results from bacterial plaque build-up, which forms due to the interaction of bacteria in your mouth with leftover food particles. This leads to the creation of harmful acids that cause tooth decay, as well as other substances that cause gingivitis or gum inflammation.

The early stages of gingivitis might manifest as slightly sore, red, swollen gums that bleed when brushed. This condition is so mild that many people consider it normal, but bleeding gums are far from healthy. As gingivitis progresses, inflammation affects the bone holding the tooth, which doesn't swell but resorbs or dissolves. Chronic bone loss can cause teeth to loosen and eventually fall out if not treated effectively.

With early detection, modern dentistry can effectively treat periodontal disease. The specific treatment depends on the severity of the disease, but with your cooperation, success is possible. We offer several treatments to eliminate periodontal disease, and your treatment plan will be discussed with your dentist, your hygienist, and possibly a periodontist.

Routine Prophylaxis (Cleaning): This treatment involves routine cleaning, which is an essential part of dental care. Its primary objective is to remove plaque and calculus (tartar) that accumulates above the gum line. It's suitable for those with healthy gums or mild gingivitis.

Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning): In cases where gingivitis has advanced, gum pockets have developed, and some tooth-supporting bone has been lost, a procedure known as scaling and root planing may be necessary. This treatment aims to remove calculus below the gum line, reduce bacteria on the root surface, and smooth the root surface to facilitate healing.

Periodontal Surgery: For patients diagnosed with advanced periodontal disease, surgical correction may be necessary. When periodontal disease has progressed significantly, leading to deep gum pockets and substantial bone loss, periodontal surgery is often required. The goal of these procedures is to eliminate the gum pockets.

If you lose teeth due to periodontal disease, there can be serious long-term impacts. Your doctor will discuss potential future problems, address your concerns, and make suitable recommendations.