Gum disease is also known as periodontal disease and is when your gums and tissues has a bacterial infection. Commonly caused by the build-up of tartar and plaque when the teeth are not consistently flossed or brushed.

There are 2 primary stages of periodontal disease: Periodontitis and gingivitis. Gingivitis is a mild version of gum disease that can be properly reversed. If left untreated the gum disease will lead to Periodontitis. Periodontitis is when bacteria invades deep tissue pockets where membrane and bone supports your teeth and can lead to health problems and even tooth loss. Studies have shown that roughly 47.2 percent of adults over 30 have moderate gum disease which is the prominent reason for adult tooth loss. The easiest way to cope or avoid gum disease is by having great oral hygienics and visiting the dentist every 6 months.

You are in danger of gum disease if any of the following apply:

• Alcohol and cigarettes use 
• Genetics 
• Systemic diseases 
• Pregnancy 

A higher risk of gum disease arises if you take any of the following prescription drugs, Notify your dentist if you take:

• Cancer 
• Therapy drugs 
• Steroids 
• Oral contraceptives 
• Calcium channel blocker 
• Anti-epilepsy drugs 

What Is A Periodontist?

Periodontists are dentists that have had 3 additional years of training and education in gum disease. They also can perform cosmetic dentistry or oral surgery. 

Gum Disease Symptoms

Gum disease doesn’t always cause pain and sometimes doesn’t have any warning signs which is why it is considered a silent disease. 

Changes to your bite dental work or teeth: 

• Defective fillings 
• Separating or loose teeth 
• Partial dentures or bridges do not fit properly
• A shift in the fitment of teeth when you bite

Changes to your gums

• Receding gums 
• Bleeding gums when flossing brushing or biting into hard foods 
• Puffiness redness or tenderness 

Terrible breath or odd taste

• Constant horrible breath 
• Constant metal taste 

Sores in the mouth

• Sore that lasts more than two weeks 
• Pus between the teeth and gums

How To Treat Gum Disease

The periodontists will set up a treatment plan depending on the stage of gum disease and the degree of deterioration involving your teeth gums or tissues. After evaluating your x-rays and performing a periodontal exam your periodontist will review your treatment plan and answer any questions pertaining to your appointment. 

Non-Surgical Treatment

The most typical type of treatment is known as root planing. The dentist will carefully remove tarter plaque bacteria and irritants from the tooth roots and beneath the gums to prevent plaque from accruing again.

Surgical Treatment

The periodontist dentist will perform surgery to eradicate infections or to reconstruct lost bone.

Other common surgical procedures include:

Pocket reduction

With this procedure an anesthetic is applied to the area where the tissue will be folded back. The damaged bone will be smoothed and areas of bacteria will be moved and the gum tissues is closed and sutured. 

Bone regeneration

With this procedure an anesthetic is applied to where the gum tissue will be folded back to expose tissue. The bacteria is removed and bone grafts membranes or tissue-stimulating proteins are used to encourage natural regeneration to reverse damage caused by gum disease. Excess bone and gum tissues are adjusted to uncover more of the natural tooth. This procedure can be done to a single tooth or several teeth. Gum tissue is then sutured and closed. 

Check out our complete list of services, such as CEREC, Crown Lengthening, Dental Implants, Emergency Dental Care, Extractions, Inlays\Onlays, Invisalign, Porcelain Veneers, Root Canals, Teeth Cleaning and Zoom Whitening. Call us to schedule an appointment or request an appointment online.

Periodontal Disease Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments Pamphlet distributed by https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/.

Q: Can periodontal disease be contagious? 

A: Periodontal disease is not necessarily contagious but the bacteria that causes an inflammatory reaction can be passed through saliva. If you family member has warning signs such as bad breath, swollen and red gums or bleeding you may want to see a dentist for an exam. 

Q: Does my insurance cover periodontal treatment? 

A: Most insurance plans cover periodontal treatment. We will work with you and your insurance provider to ensure your treatment will be affordable on your budget. 

Q: What are pockets? 

A: Periodontal disease is when the supporting bone and tissues are destroyed creating pockets around your teeth. Over time pockets become deeper allowing bacteria to accumulate in these pockets resulting in tissue and bone loss. 

Q: How can I avoid periodontal disease? 

A: Having good oral habits is crucial in preventing periodontal disease. Brushing and flossing twice a day and visiting the dentist every 6 months will help counteract gum disease. 

Q: Is it normal for my gums to bleed when I brush? 

A: Bleeding is an indicator of gum disease. If your gums bleed during or after you brush you should see a dentist for an appointment.

Q: How do I get an appointment?

A: You can Call Us or Make An Appointment Online