Periodontal Disease Specialist

What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease is an inflammatory condition that affects the soft tissues of the tooth and jaw bone. It’s also known as periodontitis or gum disease.

The first stage of periodontal disease occurs when plaque hardens at the base of the tooth — along the gum line — into tartar. During this stage — known as gingivitis — plaque continues building up over tartar, causing gum inflammation, redness, and swelling. If gingivitis is left untreated, periodontal disease can develop.

Periodontal disease is a progressive disease that eventually causes the connective tissue in teeth and jawbone to deteriorate; it’s the leading cause of tooth loss in adults in the developed world. Besides shifting, loose, or lost teeth, gum disease can also cause diabetes and heart disease.

The best way to avoid gum disease is through prevention. Regular dental cleanings remove tartar building, and the caring team at Willow Glen Dental Center teaches dental hygiene strategies for effective at-home care.

What are the symptoms of periodontal disease?

Red, swollen, and sore gums are common symptoms of periodontal disease. Additional symptoms include:

• Chronic bad breath
  
• Receding gum lines
  
• Painful eating or chewing
  
• Gaps forming between teeth
  
• Teeth that are loose or sensitive
  
• Changes in how your bite aligns
  
• Bleeding when flossing or brushing
  

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, contact Willow Glen Dental Center to schedule a periodontal disease screening.

What causes periodontal disease?

Poor dental hygiene and smoking are leading causes of periodontal disease, but it can develop for a variety of reasons, such as:

• Changing hormones in women
  
• Taking medications that reduce saliva
  
• Having a family history of periodontal disease
  

Certain health conditions are also directly linked to your gum health, including osteoporosis, HIV, cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.

How do you treat periodontal disease?

Willow Glen Dental Center offers a wide range of common surgical and non-surgical periodontal treatments.

Scaling and root planing

This procedure removes infection-causing bacteria and tartar to preserve the health of gum tissue. Antibiotic treatment might be necessary to eliminate infection, as well as a prescription mouthwash for daily cleaning.

Tissue regeneration

When periodontal disease has destroyed gum tissue and bone, grafting procedures can encourage regrowth.

Pocket elimination surgery

Pocket elimination surgery, or flap surgery, reduces the pocket size between gums and teeth. Surgery on the jawbone might also be necessary to eliminate bone indentations that facilitate the growth of bacteria.

Dental implants

If gum disease has caused tooth loss, prosthetic dental implants can restore the function and aesthetics of your mouth.
To receive a periodontal disease screening and treatment, call Upper East Dental Innovations or schedule an appointment online.