What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is a serious infection that affects the teeth, gums, and bones.
As you may know, teeth are covered with plaque, a film that contains bacteria. The plaque, if not removed by brushing and flossing, can enter the gums and cause infection. This infection can spread and lead to painful gum recession, bleeding, and ultimately tooth loss.
Beyond the damage it can do to your teeth and gums, periodontal disease has also been linked to an increased risk of other serious health issues like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. That’s why it’s so important to address gum problems early on.
Diagnosing periodontal disease
Periodontal disease is diagnosed by our dentist through a series of tests. First, we will check the depth of the gum pockets between your teeth and gums. Next, we will check for inflammation, bleeding, loose teeth, and bone loss.
Based on our findings, we will determine the stage of your periodontal disease and recommend your treatment.
Stages of periodontal disease
Periodontal disease progresses in the following stages:
- Gingivitis: the first stage of periodontal disease, characterized by red, inflamed, tender, bleeding gums, and plaque build-up. Gingivitis can be reversed if caught early.
- Periodontitis: If gingivitis is left undiagnosed and untreated, it can progress to periodontitis. This is the second stage of periodontal disease, characterized by plaque hardening into calculus (tartar), gum recession, deepening gum pockets, and early stages of bone loss. Also during this stage, the gums pull away from the teeth and forms infectious pockets.
- Advanced Periodontitis: This is the final stage of periodontal disease. The supporting bone and connective tissue that hold teeth in place become irreversibly damaged, leading to tooth loss.
What are the signs of periodontal disease?
Signs and symptoms of periodontal disease include:
- Bleeding and/or painful gums
- Redness and swelling
- Bad breath
- Gum recession
- Space between the teeth and gums
- Loose teeth
It is important to see a dentist on a regular basis so that the hygienist can not only remove plaque and tartar, but also be on the lookout for symptoms of gum disease.
Treatment Options for Periodontal Disease
- Professional Cleaning and Scaling: For mild cases, treatment may involve a thorough cleaning, which includes scaling to remove plaque and tartar above and below the gumline. This basic approach is essential to control bacteria that cause gum inflammation.
- Root Planing and Deep Cleaning: For more advanced cases, root planing smooths the root surfaces, discouraging further bacterial growth and allowing the gums to heal. This treatment helps reduce pockets between teeth and gums where bacteria thrive.
- Antibiotic Therapy: Our dentist may recommend antibiotic treatment, in the form of mouth rinses or topical gels, to target specific bacteria in more severe cases. These antibiotics can aid in reducing infection and inflammation.
- Surgical Options: In advanced cases, surgical treatments like flap surgery or bone grafting may be necessary. Flap surgery involves lifting the gums to remove tartar deposits in deep pockets. Bone grafting restores lost bone in areas affected by severe periodontitis.
- Laser Treatment: Laser therapy is a less invasive treatment option. Lasers target and reduce periodontal pockets and infection while promoting faster healing.
The most appropriate treatment method will depend on how advanced the gum disease has become.
What to expect after periodontal disease treatment
After the completion of your periodontitis treatment, you will be scheduled for regular ongoing maintenance care. These visits will involve a thorough professional cleaning and monitoring of your oral health to ensure the disease does not recur and progress further.
We recommend scheduling your periodontal maintenance visits and your general dentistry visits on an alternating schedule. This ensures you are receiving the proper care and treatments for your oral health needs in a timely, consistent manner.
It’s crucial to keep up with good oral hygiene at home. This includes brushing twice daily, flossing once a day, and using an antimicrobial mouthwash. Regular dental check-ups are also key to catching any potential problems early.
With diligent care and the right treatment plan, it’s very possible to not only stop periodontal disease in its tracks, but also reverse the damage and restore your oral health. Our dentist and hygienists love helping patients achieve a healthy, beautiful smile.
Common patient questions
While gingivitis (the early stage) is reversible with good oral hygiene and professional cleaning, periodontitis requires more intensive treatments and ongoing management. Prompt intervention can halt its progression and mitigate damage.
Smoking, diabetes, and poor oral hygiene are actually significant risk factors for periodontal disease. Diabetes increases the risk by threefold, while smoking accounts for approximately 42% of periodontitis cases. Regular check-ups help manage risk and catch early signs.
Yes, studies show links between periodontal disease and conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis. Managing gum disease may reduce inflammation throughout the body, potentially lowering the risk for these systemic health issues.
Call our dental office in Alpharetta near you for periodontal disease treatment
Periodontal disease can cause irreversible damage if not treated promptly. Patients who are experiencing symptoms of gum disease can be sure that when you visit Advanced Cosmetic & Family Dentistry, you have access to high quality care and effective treatments that will restore your oral health.
Schedule your appointment today and see why our patients consistently choose our dentists in Alpharetta!