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PERIODONTAL DISEASE

What is periodontal (Gum) disease?
Periodontal disease, commonly called gum disease, is the cause of about 70 percent of adult tooth loss; affecting three out of four persons at some point in life.

The main cause of gum disease is bacterial plaque, a soft, sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on our teeth. If plaque is not removed, it hardens into a rough, porous deposit called calculus, or tartar. Toxins (or poisons) produced by the bacteria living in plaque irritate the gums and can make them red, tender, swollen and more likely to bleed easily. As gum disease progresses, the toxins can lead to destruction of the bone and soft tissues that support the teeth, forming pockets that fill with more bacteria, toxins, and tartar. Unless gum disease is diagnosed and treated, the bone loss will continue to progress, until the teeth become loose and eventually are lost.

Thorough removal of soft plaque by brushing & flossing, and professional "cleanings" to remove soft plaque and hard tartar deposits below the gumline, can minimize the risks and usually stop the progression of gum disease. However, other factors can affect the health of your gums, such as hereditary factors, stress, diabetes, pregnancy and genetics.

What are the signs of gum disease?
There are many signs of gum disease. You should contact your dentist if you notice any of the following symptoms:

  • Bleeding gums during tooth brushing or flossing
  • Red, swollen or tender gums
  • Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
  • Persistent bad breath or bad taste in your mouth
  • Pus between the teeth and gums
  • Loss or separating teeth
  • Teeth that look longer than they used to
  • A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
  • A change in the fit of partial dentures
NOTE: You may have gum disease and not have any warning signs. In most cases, gum disease is not painful until it reaches advanced stages. Gum disease often goes unnoticed - it is sometimes referred to as a "silent disease". It is important for you to have regular dental checkups, including a periodontal examination, to diagnose and treat periodontal problems before they become advanced.

Does gum treatment hurt?
Improved equipment, local anesthetics and modern techniques make periodontal treatment more comfortable now than ever before. Effective medications (although usually not necessary) are available to optimize your comfort after treatment. As with other aspects of periodontal treatment, considerations for your comfort during and after treatment will be tailored to best suit your needs.

What can I do to help control gum disease?
Gum disease can and will recur if you do not follow a strict program of supportive therapy. You play the major role in preventing further outbreaks of disease. Nothing will help you maintain the results of professional treatment better than daily removal of soft plaque by proper brushing, flossing, and other plaque control methods recommended for you. There are many benefits to safeguarding your periodontal health. By retaining your natural teeth, you can chew more comfortably and enjoy better digestion. You also keep a healthy smile, which is a natural asset to your appearance. For feeling good and looking good, nothing works better than your natural teeth. When your efforts are combined with regular visits to your dentist and periodontist, you have an excellent chance of keeping your teeth for a lifetime.

How is gum disease treated?
In the early stages of gum disease, treatment usually involves scaling and root planing. During scaling and root planing, soft plaque and hard calculus deposits are meticulously cleaned from above and below the gumline. At the same time, the root surfaces of your teeth are planed to remove diseased cell layers. The removal of bacteria and physical and chemical irritants helps to reduce inflammation. Usually this treatment allows the gum to adapt itself back to the tooth, as well as reduce the depth of the gum pockets. In most cases of early gum disease, "scaling", "root planing" and proper daily cleaning are all that are required for satisfactory results.

We now have means of placing antibiotic medications directly into the affected sites in your mouth. This can be very beneficial in treating localized spots of gum disease.

More advanced cases may require surgical intervention. Sometimes surgery is needed to gain better access to deep areas for removal of calculus from the deep pockets around the teeth, shrink the pockets, smooth the root surfaces and arrange gum tissue into a shape that will be easier to keep clean.

In advanced cases involving loose teeth, the dentist may need to treat the way your teeth fit together when you bite. For example, the teeth may be braced with temporary splints to reduce movements and increase comfort and function. Other possible treatments include a bite "adjustment", orthodontic treatment or the placement of a plastic bite plate (splint) appliance.

Other methods may be necessary in the treatment of gum disease, depending upon the condition of your mouth. Some may be quite complicated, especially in cases of severe oral neglect. The periodontist is trained to deal with many varieties of gum disease. Whatever your treatment plan entails, the goal is to re-establish good oral health, and then help you maintain it. top


   
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