Understanding Periodontal Disease
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the first stage of periodontal disease. Plaque and its toxin by-products irritate the gums, making them tender, inflamed, and likely to bleed.
Periodontitis
Plaque hardens into calculus (tartar). It only takes twenty four hours for plaque that is not removed from your teeth to turn into calculus! Daily home cleaning helps control plaque and tartar formation, but those hard to reach areas will always need special attention.As calculus and plaque continue to build up, the gums begin to recede from the teeth. Deeper pockets form between the gums and teeth and become filled with bacteria and pus. The gums become very irritated, inflamed, and bleed easily. Slight to moderate bone loss may be present.
Advanced Periodontitis
The teeth lose more support as the gums, bone, and periodontal ligament continue to be destroyed. Unless treated, the affected teeth will become very loose and may be lost. Generalized moderate to severe bone loss may be present.
What causes periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease can be caused by a number of factors. A significant issue I've observed in most of our patients with periodontal disease is a family history of tooth loss, gum disease, or bleeding gums.
Another factor I've noticed is a lack of regular dental visits. Many patients with periodontal disease seem to have a hereditary component, although this could be mitigated with regular dental visits and excellent oral hygiene at home. Good oral hygiene can prevent many issues associated with periodontal disease.
What are the symptoms of periodontal disease?
Symptoms of periodontal disease include bleeding gums. Sometimes teeth may be slightly mobile in more advanced cases. In some situations, patients may have pus coming out of the sockets, believe it or not.
Are there any conditions connected to periodontal disease?
Conditions connected to periodontal disease include heart disease. Some studies show a link to Alzheimer's. There are also several studies showing links to diabetes. Our diabetic patients tend to have more advanced periodontal disease, which is why we strongly recommend that we see you more frequently.
Can periodontal disease be cured?
Periodontal disease involves the actual bone loss associated with the support of the tooth. While bone cannot be regenerated, we can help you minimize the amount of bone loss associated with periodontal disease. It cannot necessarily be cured, but it certainly can be slowed down.
Periodontal treatment methods depend upon the type and severity of the disease. Dr. Turner will evaluate for periodontal disease and recommend the appropriate treatment.
Periodontal disease progresses as the sulcus (pocket or space) between the tooth and gums gets filled with bacteria, plaque, and tartar, causing irritation to the surrounding tissues. When these irritants remain in the pocket space, they can cause damage to the gums and eventually, the bone that supports the teeth!
If the disease is caught in the early stages of gingivitis, and no damage has been done, one to two deeper cleanings (gross debridement) will be recommended. You will also be given instructions on improving your daily oral hygiene habits and having regular dental cleanings.
If the disease has progressed to more advanced stages, a special periodontal cleaning called scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) will be recommended. It is usually done one quadrant of the mouth at a time while the area is numb. In this procedure, tartar, plaque, and toxins are removed from above and below the gum line (scaling) and rough spots on root surfaces are made smooth (planing). This procedure helps gum tissue to heal and pockets to shrink. Medications, special medicated mouth rinses, and an electric tooth brush may be recommended to help control infection and healing.
If the pockets do not heal after scaling and root planing, periodontal surgery may be needed to reduce pocket depths, making teeth easier to clean. Dr. Turner may also recommend that you see a Periodontist (specialist of the gums and supporting bone).
What should I do if I think I have periodontal disease?
If you think you have periodontal disease, the first step would be to come in for an evaluation and get you in for a deep cleaning to remove all the bacteria causing the initial inflammation. After that deep cleaning, we offer other treatments, including laser therapy. This laser therapy allows us to get into those pockets and ensure we're eliminating the bacteria perpetuating the periodontal disease.
Are teeth cleaning and periodontal treatment painful?
While teeth cleaning and periodontal treatment are not typically painful, it may be a little uncomfortable at the initial appointment if we haven't seen you in a while. However, once we get you back in and see you more frequently, the cleanings are likely the easiest procedure you'll have at the dental office.
How can I schedule a dental appointment?
If you'd like to schedule a dental appointment for an evaluation for periodontal disease or any other treatment, you can give our office a call at (469) 757-2553, or schedule below! Our staff would love to talk with you.