Periodontal (GUM) Disease
Periodontal (gum) Disease
Periodontal (gum) disease is an infection of the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth. It is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. Because periodontal (gum) disease is usually painless, however, you may not know you have it.
Periodontal (gum) disease is caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on the teeth. These bacteria create toxins that can damage the gums.
In the early stage of periodontal (gum) disease, called gingivitis, the gums can become red, swollen and bleed easily. At this stage, the disease is still reversible and can usually be eliminated by daily brushing and flossing.
In the more advanced stages of periodontal (gum) disease, called periodontitis, the gums and bone that support the teeth can become seriously damaged. The teeth can become loose, fall out or have to be removed.
What are the signs of periodontal (gum) disease?
If you notice any of the following signs of periodontal (gum) disease, please let us know immediately:
gums that bleed when you brush your teeth
red, swollen or tender gums
gums that have pulled away from the teeth
bad breath that doesn't go away
pus between your teeth and gums
loose teeth
a change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
a change in the fit of partial dentures
Periodontal (Gum) Pockets
Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues that support your teeth. Your gum tissue is not attached to the teeth as high as it may seem. There is a very shallow v-shaped crevice called a sulcus between the tooth and gums. Periodontal diseases attack just below the gum line in the sulcus, where they cause the attachment of the tooth and its supporting tissues to break down. As the tissues are damaged, the sulcus develops into a pocket: generally, the more severe the disease, the greater the depth of the pocket.
When the sulcular depth exceeds three millimeters, regular brushing cannot effectively remove debris from the area. At this point, dental intervention is necessary in order to thoroughly clean the infected area. If a deep periodontal(GUM)pocket is not treated, bacteria and food debris build-up, propagating the destruction of the bone surrounding your teeth. Ultimately, this process leads to severe periodontal disease, as well as tooth loss.
Scaling and Root Planing
(Nonsurgical Periodontal Therapy)
Scaling and root planing is one of the most effective ways to treat gum disease before it becomes severe. Scaling & Root Planing removes bacterial plaque and calculus [tartar] from deep periodontal pockets and to smooth the tooth root to remove bacterial toxins), followed by therapy such as localized antibiotics(Arestin©), as needed on a case-by-case basis. The goal of this therapy is regain attachment of the gum tissue to the tooth by removing the constant irritation and infection by the bacterial calculus deposits.
Many patients do not require any further active treatment, including surgical therapy. However, the majority of patients will require ongoing maintenance therapy to sustain health. Non-surgical therapy does have its limitations, however, and when it does not achieve periodontal health, surgery may be indicated to restore gum and bone anatomy damaged by periodontal disease and to aid your oral hygiene practices.
Scaling and Root Planing, What can I Expect.
Surgical Periodontal Therapy
Periodontal Maintenance Therapy?
Maintenance therapy is an ongoing program designed to prevent recurrence of disease process in the gum tissues and bone supporting your teeth. The building blocks of this program are simple: conscientious care of your mouth at home and regular maintenance visits with your dentist.
Why is Maintenance Therapy Important?
The main cause of gum disease is bacterial plaque, a sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth. Toxins (or poisons) produced by the bacteria in plaque constantly attack your gums and teeth. If the plaque is not removed, it hardens into a rough porous deposit called calculus, or tartar. Daily oral hygiene including brushing and flossing will keep the formation of calculus to a minimum, but it won't completely prevent it. No matter how careful you are in cleaning your teeth and gums, bacterial plaque can cause a recurrence of gum disease from two to four months after your last professional cleaning. To keep your teeth and gums healthy, a dental professional must check for potential hidden problems and remove the hardened plaque at a time interval appropriate for you.
Brushing is the most effective method for removing harmful plaque from your teeth and gums. Getting the debris off your teeth and gums in a timely manner prevents bacteria and the food you eat from turning into harmful, cavity causing acids.
Brushing three times a day is the minimum; if you use a fluoride toothpaste in the morning and before bed at night, you can get away without using toothpaste during the middle of the day. A simple brushing with plain water after lunch will generally do the job. If a brush is not handy try rinsing your mouth with water for 30 seconds.