Commonly known as pyorrhea, periodontal disease is a progressive ailment suffered to some extent by nearly 90% of all people over 30.
Periodontal disease begins when bacteria and their products invade the gum tissue surrounding the teeth. Once this bacterial invasion takes hold, the gums become puffy, bleed easily, and gradually lose their “grip” on the teeth they are supposed to protect.
Pockets form where the gum loses its grip. These pockets allow more bacteria to lodge under the gum line below the reach of a toothbrush. Some of the bacteria produce toxins that cause an attack on the bone which supports the teeth. Without treatment, teeth may become loose and may need to be removed.
Because this destruction usually occurs beneath the gum line, the gum tissue may appear normal. This explains why many people discover too late that they have the disease. Only a thorough periodontal examination can reveal if hidden disease is present. Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection that gets under the gums and into
the bone around your teeth, causing inflammation. Periodontal inflammation
leads to tooth loss and may contribute to other medical conditions.
The periodontal infection must be removed and the area given a chance to heal. There are generally two levels for this condition - Upper Level Infection and Lower Level Infection.
What Can Be Done?
The upper level of infection in the pockets around your teeth can be treated by beginning with a daily home care program including careful tooth brushing and cleaning between the teeth to remove bacteria from under the gum margins.
This is followed by a thorough cleaning of the tooth roots and any gum pockets. The bacteria and calculus are removed and tooth roots smoothed to eliminate crevices that can harbor bacteria. Sometimes, no further treatment is necessary to keep periodontal disease under control.
| Upper Level Infection Removal - (Scaling and Root Planing) |
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| Scaling: The periodontist first removes the upper level of infected calculus. |
Root Planing: Next, he smoothes the root so that it will be hard for new calculus to come back. |
Other forms of treatment may be necessary for those patients who postpone periodontal care until the disease has progressed to a more advanced state. This treatment reduces the gum pockets and helps the gums reattach to the teeth.
If your infection has spread into the bone that supports your teeth, and is below the level that can be reached in "Upper Level Infection Removal", then a flap surgical procedure or a laser periodontal procedure must be performed to retract the gums and remove the lower level infection. This will help arrest the infection and inflammation which would likely lead to tooth loss if untreated.
Usually, the biting surfaces of the teeth are adjusted to evenly distribute the chewing pressures throughout the mouth.
Appropriate treatment along with follow-up care by you and your family dentist can help prevent recurrence of the disease.
What happens on my first visit?
Because your resistance to disease is affected by many factors, we will begin your first visit with a review your dental and medical histories. This is followed by a thorough periodontal examination of your mouth.
At your second appointment, the findings and a recommended treatment plan will be reviewed with you. You may find it helpful to bring your spouse or a friend with you to this appointment. Many patients find such a person’s opinion very valuable. In most cases, no treatment is performed at this appointment.
Can I delay treatment to a more convenient time?
Delaying diagnosis and treatment means delaying the benefits that treatment provides. Immediate diagnosis and treatment prevents further destruction to the gums and bone tissue. Your ability to enjoy a wide variety of foods and to taste your food properly will be protected. And, you can avoid suffering unnecessary pain caused by the disease.
With treatment, a patient can eliminate the unpleasant taste in the mouth often associated with the disease as well as the embarrassment of offensive breath. Your appearance will be protected through early treatment as successive loss of teeth often encourages lines, wrinkles, and a “sunken” look due to the loss of tone in the facial muscles.
A patient’s self-confidence and self-image is often renewed through an improved appearance. Early treatment is also less expensive.
Periodontal disease can be stopped. Your mouth can be restored to health. And, with help from your family dentist, the disease can be controlled.
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