What is Periodontal Disease?

What is Periodontal Disease?

Everyone has heard of dental issues such as Gingivitis, cavities, and enamel erosion… but have you heard of Periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease is a condition in which you have infection and inflammation in your gums and the bone that support your teeth. It starts off as gingivitis and progressively gets worse. In the more severe cases, patients can experience:

  • Gums peeling away from teeth
  • Loose teeth
  • Loss of bone
  • Teeth falling out

Common Side Effects

While it’s more common to effect smokers, anyone can develop this disease. It’s reported that 47.2% of adults 30 and older deal with this oral disease.

Some of the warning signs you may have periodontal disease are:

  • A bad taste in your mouth that won’t go away
  • Pain while chewing
  • Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
  • Loose teeth
  • Gums that have begun to peel away from teeth

How to Treat Periodontal Disease?

You receive treatment for this disease by your dentist, or for more complex cases, a periodontist. Their goal is to thoroughly clean and remove the bad bacteria that surround your teeth. Because periodontal disease can cause damage and even loss of your bones, they want to stop the spread of dangerous bacteria and prevent any further damage. You should call us if you suspect this disease.

Depending on how advanced your case is, there are several methods to treat periodontitis. If you are in the earlier stages, these are some of the procedures your provider may use.

  • Removing the bacteria and tartar from your teeth and gums using a method called scaling. It can be done using a laser or an ultrasonic device.
  • Taking antibiotics to help the infections. They have topical and oral antibiotics based on severity; your provider will choose which one fits your case best.
  • A method called root planing, which smooths the surface of the root, and helps stop the bacteria from spreading. 

Do I require a more invasive procedure?

If your case is more severe, and you require a more invasive procedure, these are some of the standard treatments your provider may use.

  • If the bacteria and tartar have spread below your gum line, your dentist may perform flap surgery, which is lifting a portion of your gums so your root is visible, and then can be fully cleaned.
  • If your periodontitis has caused bone loss, you may receive a bone graft, which is small fragments of bone, typically your own, to be placed in the affected area and will encourage natural bone growth to be made.
  • Your provider may apply a gel to the affected teeth that is rich with protein that helps your enamel regrow and encourage bone growth as well.

Is Periodontal Disease Preventable?

While this disease can be a serious one, with painful outcomes, it thankfully can typically be avoided!

Preventative care is the biggest way to avoid dealing with a mild or server case of this. Good oral hygiene and habits developed early on will keep your mouth healthy and full of good bacteria, not bad!

While it is very important to make it to all your routine cleanings and oral examinations, preventative care starts at home!

Brushing and flossing twice a day is a HUGE step in protecting the health of your mouth and keeping the integrity of your teeth safe!

If you have more questions regarding staying clear of this disease, or how to avoid it, call The Center for Implant & General Dentistry today! (903) 231-6605