Periodontal (Gum) Treatment
Gum disease is the primary cause of adult tooth loss in the United States. Our hygienist does an outstanding job of taking the necessary time to educate our patients about the causes and prevention of gum disease or periodontal disease. She is qualified not only to help Dr. Schultz prevent gum disease, but also to treat gum disease with specialized procedures for which she has years of training and experience.
Here are some questions and answers that will better help you to understand gum disease:
What is periodontal (gum) disease?
Periodontal disease or gum disease is a very common problem in which persistent inflammation and infection of the oral tissue adjacent to the gums occurs. Gum disease is to blame for 70% of adult tooth loss and roughly three out of every four suffer from gum disease.
What are some causes of periodontal disease?
Bacterial plaque, which is a tacky, colorless film that constantly materializes on the teeth, is recognized as the chief cause of periodontal disease. This plaque eventually hardens into a substance called calculus (or tartar) if it is not removed daily by way of brushing and flossing. Plaque creates toxins that irritate the gums, causing the deterioration of gum fibers which serve to fuse your teeth & gums together. Additionally, these toxins are capable of producing periodontal pockets which make your gums even more vulnerable to added pollutants and bacteria. As this disease evolves, the periodontal pockets extend deeper into the tissue, followed by the bacteria until the bone that holds the tooth in place is all but destroyed. The infected tooth will eventually fall out or require removal.
Are there other factors in the development of periodontal disease?
Yes. In terms of other aspects involved in the acquisition of periodontal disease, genetics & lifestyle choices play a pivotal role. Unhealthy nutrition habits can greatly diminish your body’s ability to fight off infection, as can stress. Smokers and snuff tobacco users are more prone to irritation of gum tissue than those who choose to not use these products. Diseases or medications that disturb the immune system may potentially worsen the condition of your gums. Gum disease is likely to be more serious and more challenging to treatment in those patients with uncontrolled diabetes.
What are the warning signs of periodontal disease?
Warning signs and preliminary symptoms of periodontal disease include:
- Reddish, swollen, tender, or inflamed gums
- Frequent bleeding during brushing or flossing
- Gums that draw away from the teeth
- Loose, wobbly, or separating teeth
- Constant bad breath
- Inconsistency in the way the teeth fit together when biting
- A sudden alteration in the fit of partial dentures
While you should always be cognizant of the warning signs, there may not be any pain or distress until the disease has expanded to a point where the tooth becomes unrecoverable. Regular dental visits and cleanings are essential to protect yourself against the detrimental effects of periodontal disease.
What does periodontal treatment involve?
As mentioned above it is very important to catch periodontal disease in the early stages. Common periodontal treatment entails scaling and root planning, which entails eradicating plaque and tartar near the location of the tooth and evening the root surfaces. The use of antibiotics or antimicrobials can bolster the results of these procedures. Serious or highly developed cases of gum disease may involve a surgical procedure to remove the toughened plaque build-up, and to re-contour bone structure that had been damaged. Smoothing of the root surfaces and repositioning of the gum tissue will be performed during this process to ensure easy cleaning and maintenance.
I am concerned that once my gum tissue has been removed during surgery my teeth will look too long. Is this true?
Often, gum disease can cause in recession of the gums, giving the teeth a longer appearance. In the old days surgical removal of the gum tissue, commonly known as gingivectomy, also gave the teeth look longer appearance. New developments in technology and techniques give Dr. Schultz the ability to treat your gums without removing much of the tissue, while alleviating the “long teeth” appearance.
How do you prevent periodontal disease?
The greatest way to combat the effects of periodontal disease is to maintain a regular system of daily brushing & flossing to remove plaque. Daily brushing and flossing in conjunction with consistent professional cleanings should keep your teeth and gums healthy and disease free.
What role does a general dentist play in the treatment of gum disease?
A general dentist typically identifies and treats periodontal disease it in its infancy. If you are showing signs or have concerns that you may have gum disease, your first appointment should be with a general dentist who is knowledgeable about gum disease. The dental team at Schultz Center for Cosmetic Dentistry has acquired the expertise and experience to treat gum disease at its more advanced stages. If Dr. Schultz feels that a patient’s periodontal disease requires treatment by a specialist, he will not hesitate to refer that patient to a reputable periodontist.
Is maintenance important?
Consistent dental hygiene at home, along with regular appointments for general examinations and cleanings are very important to the prevention of gum disease and your overall health.