Periodontal Disease Treatment (Gum Disease)

Understanding Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease, often referred to as periodontitis or gum disease, is a severe infection that impacts the gums and bone supporting your teeth. Healthy gums and bones are essential for maintaining your teeth’s stability. When plaque and food particles get trapped between your gums and teeth, they can cause an infection, leading to gum disease. This condition, which affects many individuals, is primarily caused by the bacteria in plaque build-up on teeth.

Gingivitis, which involves redness, swelling, and bleeding of the gums, represents the initial phase of gum disease. When this mild gum inflammation is not treated, it can progress to periodontitis, a more severe infection capable of permanently damaging the supporting structures of the teeth. The key is to catch gingivitis early and prevent its escalation into advanced gum disease through proper oral hygiene and professional treatment. 

Identifying periodontal disease in its early stages is vital for preventing tooth and bone loss. To determine if you have periodontitis and assess its severity, we will perform the following steps:

1. Medical History Review: We consider risk factors like genetics, medications, and smoking.
2. Teeth and Gum Examination: Checking for plaque/tartar build-up and bleeding gums.
3. Gum Pocket Depth Measurement: Using a dental probe to assess gum health.
   • 1-3 mm: Healthy gums
   • 3-5 mm: Early periodontitis
   • 5-7 mm: Moderate periodontitis
   • 7-10 mm: Advanced periodontitis
4. Dental X-rays: Identifying bone loss associated with deep gum pockets.

This disease is common but preventable. It typically results from poor oral hygiene, such as not flossing and brushing twice daily or getting regular dental exams. Learn more about the causes, symptoms, and treatment options below.