Periodontal Treatment
What You Need to Know
If you are suffering from periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, you may be worried about the health and appearance of your teeth and gums. Don’t worry though, we can help!
What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is a term that covers a range of conditions that affect the tissues around the teeth. The most common types are:
Gingivitis:
Gingivitis is inflammation in the gums that leads to periodontal disease if not treated. Once bone loss occurs around the teeth, gingivitis has then progressed into periodontal disease. Gingivitis can usually be reversed with good oral hygiene and regular dental cleanings
Periodontitis:
Periodontitis, also called periodontal disease, is most often and commonly known as gum disease. Inflammation causes bone loss to occur around teeth. When bone loss occurs, pockets develop between the gum and tooth, which in turn contributes to further inflammation as plaque accumulates in the pockets. Therefore, periodontal disease progresses over time from minor to severe, which may lead to tooth loss or more intensive treatment.
What causes periodontal disease?
The main cause of periodontal disease is plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth every day. If plaque is not removed by brushing and flossing, it can harden into tartar, which is more difficult to clean. Plaque and tartar can irritate the gums and cause them to swell and bleed. They can also produce toxins that can damage the tissues and bone around the teeth.
Some factors that can increase the risk of developing periodontal disease are:
- Smoking or chewing tobacco
- Diabetes or other systemic diseases that affect the immune system
- Poor oral hygiene or lack of dental care
- Stress or hormonal changes
- Medications that cause dry mouth or affect the gums
- Genetics or family history
- Crooked teeth or faulty fillings or crowns
What are the symptoms of periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease often does not cause any pain or discomfort until it reaches an advanced stage. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms that may indicate a problem with your gums. Some of these are:
- Gums that are red, swollen, tender, or bleed easily
- Gums that have receded or pulled away from the teeth
- Persistent bad breath or bad taste in the mouth
- Pus or infection between the teeth and gums
- Teeth that are loose, shifting, or changing in bite
- Spaces or gaps between the teeth
- Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks
If you notice any of these symptoms, you should see your dentist as soon as possible for a diagnosis and treatment.
What are the risks of periodontal disease?
Stroke:
People with periodontal disease may have twice the risk of having a stroke than people without periodontal disease.
Diabetes:
People with diabetes are more likely to have periodontal disease than people without diabetes. Periodontal disease can also make it harder to control blood sugar levels and increase the risk of diabetes complications.
Cardiovascular disease:
People with periodontal disease may have an increased risk of heart disease and heart attacks. Periodontal disease can also worsen existing heart conditions.
Pregnancy risks:
Women with periodontal disease may have a higher chance of having premature or low-birth-weight babies than women without periodontal disease.
Respiratory infections:
People with periodontal disease may be more prone to respiratory infections such as pneumonia or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
How can you prevent periodontal disease?
The best way to prevent periodontal disease is to practice good oral hygiene habits every day. This includes:
- Brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
- Flossing your teeth once a day to remove plaque from between your teeth
- Rinsing your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash to reduce bacteria and plaque
- Visiting your dentist at least twice a year for professional cleaning and check-up
- Quitting smoking or chewing tobacco if you use them
- Eating a balanced diet that is low in sugar and high in vitamins and minerals
- Managing your stress levels and your medical conditions
By following these steps, you can keep your gums and teeth healthy and prevent periodontal disease from developing or progressing.
How is periodontal disease treated?
The treatment of periodontal disease depends on the type and severity of the condition. The main goal of treatment is to control the infection, reduce the inflammation, and restore the health of the gums and bone. Some of the treatment options are:
Scaling and root planing:
This is a deep cleaning procedure that removes plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line. It also smooths the root surfaces of the teeth to help the gums reattach to them. Scaling and root planing may require local anesthesia and several visits to the dentist.
Medications:
Your dentist may prescribe or apply antibiotics, antiseptics, or anti-inflammatory drugs to help fight the infection and reduce the swelling. These may come in the form of mouth rinses, gels, creams, or pills.
Surgery:
- Flap surgery: This involves lifting the gums back and removing the infected tissue. The gums are then sutured back in place, reducing the size of the pockets.
- Bone grafting: This involves using your own bone, synthetic bone, or donated bone to replace the bone that has been lost due to periodontal disease. This can help support the teeth and stimulate new bone growth.
- Soft tissue grafting: This involves using tissue from your palate or another source to cover the exposed roots of your teeth. This can help reduce sensitivity and prevent further gum recession.
- Guided tissue regeneration: This involves placing a special material between the bone and gum tissue to encourage new bone and tissue growth. This can help restore the natural shape and structure of your teeth and gums.
- Dental implants: If you have lost one or more teeth due to periodontal disease, your dentist may suggest replacing them with dental implants. These are artificial tooth roots that are inserted into the jawbone and attached to a crown or a bridge. Dental implants can look and function like natural teeth.
What are the risks of periodontal disease?
A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of periodontal disease. Your dentist may refer you to a periodontist if you have:
- Severe or advanced periodontal disease that requires more complex treatment
- A history of periodontal disease that recurs or does not respond well to treatment
- Certain medical conditions that affect your oral health, such as diabetes or heart disease
- A need for cosmetic procedures to improve your smile, such as gum contouring or dental implants
A periodontist can provide you with expert care and advice on how to manage your periodontal disease and restore your oral health.
Contact Us Today
Periodontal disease is a serious condition that affects millions of people around the world. It can cause pain, discomfort, tooth loss, and other health problems. However, with proper prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, you can avoid or overcome periodontal disease and enjoy a healthy smile for life. If you have any questions or concerns about your gums or teeth, don’t hesitate to contact us today. We are here to help you achieve optimal oral health.
