What is Periodontal (Gum) Disease?
Periodontal (gum) disease is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the gums and bones supporting the teeth. Toxins produced by bacteria in plaque cause an infection that irritates and can eventually destroy gum tissue and bone, leading to tooth loss. Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease and can be reversible if caught early and with professional treatment and good at-home oral care. Symptoms may include:
- Red, swollen, tender gums
- Bleeding while brushing and flossing
- Bad breath
- Receding gums
It is important to diagnose and treat gum disease in this early stage before it progresses to periodontitis.
Types of Periodontal (Gum) Disease
Gingivitis
The earliest stage of gum disease, gingivitis can be reversible if caught early and with professional treatment and good at-home oral care. It is important to diagnose and treat gum disease in this early stage before it progresses to periodontitis.
Symptoms may include:
- Red, swollen, tender gums
- Bleeding while brushing and flossing
- Bad breath
- Receding gums
Periodontitis
Untreated gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, where plaque can spread and grow below the gum line, causing a chronic inflammatory response where gum tissue and bone tissue begin to break down. Periodontitis is classified in stages ranging from initial to severe as each case is unique. As gum disease progresses, gums pull further away from the teeth creating pockets as more gum tissue and bone supporting the teeth are destroyed.
Treatment for periodontitis can vary and is unique to each stage and grade. Treatment may include a referral to a periodontist.
- Red, swollen, tender gums
- Bleeding while brushing, flossing, and eating
- Bad breath
- Receding gums
- Sores in the mouth and pus between gums and teeth
- Loose or separating teeth
- Change in your bite
Periodontal Services and Procedures
Periodontal services provide a variety of benefits for patients, including:
- Treat gum disease. Periodontal care can treat existing gum disease by removing plaque and reducing bacteria, allowing the gum tissue to heal.
- Prevent gum disease. Many periodontal procedures can prevent gum disease from occuring or worsening.
- Repair damage to the periodontal tissues. When gum disease goes untreated for an extended period of time, it causes damage to the gums and other support structures for the teeth. Some periodontal procedures repair these damaged tissues to restore adequate support for your teeth.
- Improve your smile. Repairing or reshaping periodontal tissue can give you a more aesthetically pleasing smile.
- Preserve your natural teeth. Periodontal care for the support structures of your teeth will help preserve your natural teeth so that they stay in place for as long as possible, preferably the rest of your life.
Procedures Offered
We provide the following periodontal services:
- Periodontal maintenance. A periodontal maintenance program involves regular deep teeth cleaning to remove plaque. You should go to the dentist more frequently for plaque removal if you are at a higher risk of gum disease or have gum disease.
- Scaling and root planing. Scaling involves the removal of hardened plaque (known as tartar or calculus) from the teeth and below the gum line. Root planing is the process of smoothing the surface of the tooth roots so that the gum tissue can bond effectively to keep plaque out. These procedures are typically performed together for the best results.
- Arestin® antibiotics. Gum disease is a bacterial infection, and treatment can be more effective when antibiotics are used. Arestin® consists of microspheres of medication placed directly under the gum tissue that gradually release over time to fight bacteria.
- Perio Protect™ Tray Delivery System. Perio Protect™is a minimally invasive FDA-cleared medical device that offers periodontal patients comfortable treatment and great results. The Perio Protect trays are worn for only 15 minutes a day and are customized for each patient and anchor the medication gel below the gums, allowing it to treat gum disease more effectively. Once periodontal disease (also known as gum disease or gingivitis) is under control, this system will continue to be effective in maintaining a healthy oral environment.