Periodontal Therapy

Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, affects about 30% of the adult population. It is the number one cause of tooth loss in adults and many people end up needing dentures because of this chronic condition. While it is not curable, it is controllable with regular professional hygiene appointments and consistent home care.

Gum disease can advance with few noticeable signs and symptoms. Many patients diagnosed with this condition experience no pain and are surprised by the quick damage that periodontal disease can do. In simple terms, look at your gums and bone around your teeth like the foundation of a house. Just like a house, the foundation must be sound regardless of the beauty of the home. When the foundation crumbles, the rest of it does too.

Regular dental exams, professional cleanings, and good home care practices are essential to detecting and managing periodontitis.

What Causes Gum Disease?

Some of the bacteria that are found in your mouth create plaque, a sticky substance that eventually hardens into tartar. The tartar becomes a living space for more bacteria to release harmful substances into your gums. Your gums react to the bacteria by becoming inflamed and starting to bleed, which is known as gingivitis. If left untreated, the bacteria hiding in the gums can deteriorate the bone around the teeth and cause the gums to disappear. This causes abscesses and tooth loss.

Diagnosis and Treatment

There are several factors that we take into account before we make a gum disease diagnosis. Our team first checks the gums with a small measuring device called a periodontal probe. If the measurements are more than 3mm and bleed when probed, then periodontal disease is present. We will also evaluate the texture and shape of your gums and look for any movement in teeth. We examine your teeth at the x-ray level to be clear on the condition of your gums. Based on the severity of the gum disease, we can develop a personalized treatment plan.

Maintenance matters

Regular home care is critical to stop the progression of gum disease. Within a few hours of cleaning, the bacteria begin to repopulate and adhere to the teeth. Plaque left undisturbed will start to harden and mineralize within 24 hours. It requires diligence to prevent the bacteria from undermining the foundation of your teeth.

Since gum pockets previously damaged by bacteria can be difficult to clean at home, it is essential to schedule regular cleanings with your dentist. We can customize your plan to include two, three, or four visits a year. We will find the best cleaning schedule for you depending on a few factors: the severity of the disease, the response to treatment, and the consistency of your home care.

If our combined efforts don't slow or stop the progression of your gum disease, we refer you to a specialist, known as a periodontist.