Periodontal Disease Treatment (Gum Disease)
Willow Creek Smiles provides periodontal services for all stages of gum disease to restore your oral health. Gum disease is a serious condition that can affect anyone.
Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease, gum disease, and periodontitis are all phrases that we use to describe an infection in the gingiva (gums) and bone around your teeth. Because our teeth rely on healthy gum and root structures it’s essential that signs of periodontitis are identified as early as possible.
Gingivitis is the earliest sign that there’s a problem. Minor redness, swelling, or mild bleeding may can occur at this phase. But if not treated with daily home care and professional cleanings, that infection can spread down into your connective tissues, creating serious and permanent structural damage.
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What are the signs of periodontal disease or gum dissease?
The earliest sign of periodontitis is an irritated gum line that might cause discomfort or bleeding when you brush, floss, or have your teeth cleaned professionally. If not treated, the gums will start to retract and pull away from the teeth. This creates spaces between the teeth and gums called periodontal pockets that can fill with harmful bacteria. Your dentist will measure the depths of these pockets to determine how far the condition has spread and what treatment is necessary. If gum disease makes its way to the jawbone and the connective tissues of teeth, the jawbone can deteriorate, and teeth can be lost.
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What causes gum disease?
There are three common causes of gum disease. The first and most common is chronic periodontitis. This occurs when oral hygiene is neglected and bacteria accumulate beneath the gum line, eventually turning into a hard substance called tartar. Tartar is not easily removed by brushing and flossing and requires professional cleaning. If left untreated the gums become inflamed and damaged and bone loss occurs.
The second cause is aggressive periodontitis, this is believed to be a genetic condition as it shows up in a small number of families. It moves quickly and can even be seen in children.
The last and the rarest cause is necrotizing periodontal disease. This can occur in people with immune issues and or chronic diseases. The soft tissue and bone are compromised because of a lack of blood flow.
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How is periodontal disease or gum disease treated?
Periodontal disease or gum disease is treated in two ways. Which treatment you receive depends on the severity of your condition.
Scaling and root planning are recognized as the standard treatment for periodontitis. The procedure is highly effective in managing the condition in its early to moderate stages. It also does an excellent job of reversing its harmful effects. When providing scaling and root planing treatment, your dentist will access the areas below the gum line and between the teeth and remove harmful accumulations of plaque, tartar, and oral bacteria. Then the root surfaces will be smoothed out to prevent future accumulations. Your gums should then begin the healing process and eventually reattach themselves to the teeth.
The second treatment is called bone grafting and is often required when bacteria and plaque have reached the jawbone and caused deterioration and decay. Your dentist will need to surgically access the damaged jawbone at this stage. Your dentist will attempt to regenerate the bone by applying proteins and artificial bone-like material to the areas of decay. This will help encourage new bone growth. Bone grafting is often a necessary step for strengthening the jawbone so that it can support dental implants to replace missing teeth.
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How do I know if I have periodontal disease or gum disease?
The first signs of periodontal disease or gum disease are red and swollen gums, gums that bleed when you floss or brush, and untreated gingivitis. Advanced signs of gum disease include loss of teeth and exposure of your tooth’s root. Periodontitis, or gum disease, can lead to tooth loss if not treated properly.
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What is gum recession?
Receding gums affect about half of Americans over the age of 50. But, young people can experience gum recession too. You may be genetically predisposed to gum recession as some people are just born with thin gums. Other times environmental might contribute to recession. Things like aggressive brushing, trauma, surgery, or ill-fitting partial dentures and dental appliances can cause gum recession.
Treatment of Gum Recession
If you notice a tooth looks long or you experience sensitivity or pain when brushing and flossing, you could have gum recession. Be sure to make an appointment and have your dentist examine the area. If you have gum recession we can typically graft a small amount of skin from your palate and patch it over the receding area. The treatment helps protect the tooth from further damage. It is a minor procedure that can be done for a single tooth or multiple teeth depending on the need.
More Questions?
If you have any questions about periodontal disease (gum disease) treatment please contact our office and we will be happy to answer any questions.