Periodontal Maintenance
Among the causes for periodontal (gum) disease are genetic susceptibility, smoking, and other illnesses like diabetes. Periodontal maintenance involves removing plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line. Most gum diseases are preventable with proper oral hygiene. However, what can start out as gingivitis (inflamed or bleeding gums) can quickly turn into periodontitis. In such cases, gums pull away from the tooth to create “pockets,” thereby exposing a dental root to infection. It can also lead to prolonged bad breath, loose teeth, painful chewing and other complications.
Diagnosing Gum Disease
The dentist told me that I have gingivitis. What does that mean?
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums (only the soft tissue), either in one specific area or surrounding every tooth. It is caused by plaque (films of bacteria that accumulate on teeth). The gums appear red and will most likely bleed when a brush or floss comes in contact with them. Gingivitis can be treated with good oral hygiene (brushing, flossing, rinsing). Plaque deposits that harden can be removed by your dentist or hygienist at your cleaning appointment and they can check to see if the inflammation has improved.
The dentist told me that I have periodontitis. What does that mean?
Periodontitis is an inflammatory condition that affects the gums as well as supporting bone and connective tissue. Periodontitis is considered more serious than gingivitis because extensive loss of bone around teeth can lead to early loss of teeth. Toxins that accumulate in plaque irritate and inflame the gums. These plaque deposits can get larger and form underneath the gum tissue (forming a pocket), leading to chronic inflammation and eventual destruction of the bone. If left untreated, it can lead to shifting of teeth, loose teeth or tooth loss. There are several forms of periodontitis and some can be more aggressive than others. Your dentist will recommend coming in more frequently for cleaning appointments if you are susceptible to this disease.
Treatment
How can we treat this disease?
There are many nonsurgical and surgical treatments depending on which tooth it is and how extensive the bone loss is. Some of the common treatments include:
- Scaling & root planing - bacteria, plaque deposits, tartar are removed from the tooth surfaces above and below the gums
- Guided tissue regeneration - a method of regenerating lost bone and gum tissues
- Pocket elimination surgery - surgical treatment to reduce pockets around teeth that are not responding to non-surgical therapy and placing the patient at risk for periodontal disease.
Your dentist may refer you to a specialist called a "periodontist" for some of these treatment options.