Treating Periodontal Diseases at Progressive Dental

periodontics

periodontal (gum) disease is a condition in which bacteria attack the tissues that surround and support teeth. Simply put, it is an infection that can result in tooth loss if not treated. Because it's often painless, you may not be aware that you have a problem until your gums and bone are seriously affected. The good news is that periodontal diseases often can be treated in the early stages with a treatment called scaling and root planning.

what causes periodontal (gum) diseases?

Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that clings to teeth and gums. Even if you brush and clean between your teeth every day, you may not completely remove plaque, especially around the gumline. The bacteria in plaque create toxins that injure the gums and underlying bone. Over time, these toxins can destroy gum and bone tissue.

Plaque that is not removed completely every 24 to 48 hours hardens into a rough porous deposit called tartar or calculus. Once calculus develops the only way to remove it is by having your teeth cleaned at the dental office.

Calculus that builds up below (under) the gumline makes it more difficult to remove the film of plaque. This can lead to chronic inflammation and infection.

If you schedule regular dental checkups your dentist can detect developing periodontal disease before the gums and the bone supporting your teeth are irreversibly damaged.

Periodontal diseases are progressive - Left untreated the condition will worsen.

diagnosing periodontal disease

During a checkup, Dr. Salah examines your gums for periodontal problems. An instrument called a periodontal probe is used to gently detect "pockets" between your gums and teeth.

healthy probe.gif (14613 bytes) unhealthy probe.gif (14285 bytes)
periodontal probe periodontal probe
healthy gums showing pockets

Talk to Dr. Salah if you have any of the following warning signs:

Gums that bleed easily.

Red, swollen, tender gums.

Gums that have pulled away from the teeth.

Pus between the teeth and gums when the gums are pressed.

Persistent bad breath or bad taste.

Permanent teeth that are loose or separating.

Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite.

Any change in the fit of partial dentures.

At the very edge of the gumline, gum tissue is not attached to each tooth. Instead, there is a very shallow, v-shaped groove called the sulcus between the tooth and gums. The normal space between healthy teeth and gums is three millimeters or less. With periodontal diseases, this tiny space develops into a pocket that collects more plaque bacteria and is difficult to keep clean.
If gum disease is diagnosed, Dr. Salah, and his staff of dental hygienists may provide treatment, or you may be referred to a periodontist, a dentist specializing in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of periodontal diseases. Treating the disease depend on how far the treatment has progressed.

healthy diagram.gif (17405 bytes) healthy tissue.gif (18448 bytes)
healthy gingiva (gum tissue) and bone anchor teeth firmly in place

gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease. The gums become red, swollen and they bleed easily. At this stage the infection is still reversible. If not treated, it may lead to a more severe condition called, periodontitis.

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Gingivitis develops as toxins in plaque irritate the gums, making them red, tender, swollen and likely to bleed easily

periodontitis is the more advanced stage of periodontal disease. At this stage, the disease may require more complex treatment to prevent tooth loss. The gums, bone and other structures that support teeth are damaged. Teeth can become loose and fall out - or they may have to be removed.

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advanced periodontitis is present when the teeth continue to lose their attachment and the supporting bone is destroyed. Unless treated, the affected teeth frequently become loose and may fall out or require removal by Dr. Salah

scaling.gif (11759 bytes) subgingival scaling.
cleaning the tooth
below the gum

root plane.gif (12242 bytes) root planing
smoothing the tooth root.

Once the scaling and root planning is complete, another appointment will be made so that Dr. Salah can check to see how your gums have healed, and how the periodontal pockets have decreased. When pockets deeper than three millimeters persist after root planning and scaling Dr. Salah may recommend further treatment with chemothereputic agents, more frequent preventative visits or a referral to a Periodontist.

You will be given instructions on how to care for your healing teeth and gums. Careing for your teeth and gums after treatment is critical. Practicing good oral hygiene everyday will reduce the risk of recurring periodontal infection.

Most patients after scaling and root planning is completed will be asked to return for regular maintenance visits with the hygienist or the hygienist along with Dr. Salah more frequently than the twice a year they may be accustomed to. Often a recare interval of three or four month is advised.

Periodontal disease will not go away by itself. Left untreated, surgery may be needed to save the affected teeth. Preventing and treating the disease in the early stages are the best ways to keep your smile healthy.