The road to maintaining a healthy, beautiful smile is not always an easy one. That’s why practicing effective dental hygiene can help you prevent unpleasant problems such as periodontal disease. But what exactly is periodontal disease?
Dr. Michael Bleeker, a trusted Scottsdale prosthodontist, explains below the signs, dangers, and treatments for periodontal disease (also called gum disease or periodontitis).
Definition
Periodontal means “around the tooth.” You’ve probably heard your dentist tell you to watch out for buildup of plaque -- a sticky film of food remnants, bacteria and saliva. If plaque isn’t removed, it then becomes calculus (tartar). When not eliminated, it destroys the gums and bone.
Periodontal disease is typically marked by red, swollen, bleeding gums and eventually can lead to missing teeth -- all unpleasant side effects that should prompt you to schedule an appointment with your Scottsdale prosthodontist as soon as possible.
As the #1 reason for tooth loss, the inflammation and bacteria from gum disease may also be connected to stroke, bacterial pneumonia, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and increased risk during pregnancy. Smoking also elevates the risk of periodontal disease.
Four out of five people have periodontal disease and don’t even know it, since the disease is usually painless in the early stages. Good oral hygiene, a balanced diet and regular dentist visits can help reduce your risk of developing periodontal disease.
It’s crucial to catch warning signs of gum disease before they evolve into full-blown dental deterioration.
Signs and symptoms of periodontal disease:
Periodontal disease should always be promptly treated -- so contact Scottsdale prosthodontist Dr. Bleeker if you experience any of the above symptoms.
Some of the most common types of periodontal disease:
Chronic periodontitis – The most common form of periodontal disease, this involves Inflammation within supporting tissues leads to deep pockets and gum recession. It may look like your teeth are lengthening, but the gums are actually receding.
Aggressive periodontitis – This is marked by rapid gum detachment, chronic bone destruction and familial aggregation.
Necrotizing periodontitis – This most often occurs in individuals suffering from conditions like HIV, immunosuppression and malnutrition. Necrosis (tissue death) takes place in the periodontal ligament, alveolar bone and gingival tissues.
Periodontitis caused by systemic disease – This often starts at a young age. Respiratory disease, diabetes and heart disease are common cofactors.
Treatment for Periodontitis, Recommended by Scottsdale Prosthodontist Dr. Bleeker
There are various surgical and nonsurgical treatments your periodontist may perform, depending upon the condition of the teeth, gums and jawbone. You’ll undergo a complete periodontal exam of the mouth before any treatment is performed or recommended.
Common treatments include:
Scaling and root planing – To preserve the health of your gum tissue, the bacteria and calculus which initially caused the infection must be removed. The gum pockets will be cleaned and treated with antibiotics to help fight the infection. A prescription mouthwash intended for daily use may also be recommended by your Scottsdale prosthodontist.
Tissue regeneration – Following bone and gum tissue destruction, your dental professional can induce regrowth through grafting procedures. A membrane may be inserted into the affected areas to help in the regeneration process.
Pocket elimination surgery – Pocket elimination surgery (also called flap surgery) is a surgical treatment to reduce the pocket size between the teeth and gums. Jawbone surgery is another option, which serves to remove indentations in the bone that allow bacteria to colonize.
Dental implants – When teeth have been lost due to periodontal disease, implanting prosthetic teeth into the jawbone can restore the aesthetics and functionality of your mouth. Tissue regeneration procedures may be required first.
If you’ve identified with any of the above causes and symptoms of periodontal disease, it’s time to seek professional treatment. Dental health is extremely important to your well-being -- and Dr. Bleeker can get your smile back on track.
Ask Dr. Bleeker today if you have questions or concerns about periodontal disease.