Periodontal Disease
Periodontal Disease (also known as "Periodontal Infection", "Gum Disease" or "Pyorrhea") is an ongoing bacterial infection in the gums and bone which support your teeth. If not treated, this ongoing infection can destroy the bone around your teeth resulting in tooth loss. 75% of all adult tooth loss is due to periodontal infection.
How Does an "Ongoing Infection" Work?
As a child, did you ever get a bad scrape that became red and swollen? That was caused by bacteria that got under your skin and started an infection. It may have lasted for days or weeks. Finally, your immune system conquered the bad bacteria and the infection healed.
With an ONGOING infection, your immune system never wins the battle and the infection grows. Periodontal disease is an ongoing infection in the pockets around your teeth. Your immune system is losing the battle and, without treatement, it will get worse.
What Can Cause a "Burst" of Infection Activity?
People with periodontal disease have low resistance to periodontal bacteria. This causes a continuing gum infection which grows in "bursts" of activity. Each time it grows, more support for your teeth is lost. Some factors which can cause a "burst" of activity are:
- Poor Oral Hygiene
- Dental Plaque
- Smoking
- Genetic Factors
- Stress or Tension
- Diet
- Age
- Illness
Getting Periodontal Infection Treated Right Away
When your infection has a burst of activity, or when there are signs that this is about to occur, your general dentist may recommend you see a periodontist.
Symptoms of Periodontal Infection
Usually periodontal infection is painless until it reaches more advanced stages. However, there are some symptoms which can indicate the presence of periodontal infection.
These include:
- Red or swollen gums
- Bleeding when brushing (pink toothbrush) or at other times
- Aching, itchy, sore or tender gums
- Receding gums (teeth beginning to look longer)
- Bad breath
- Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
- Loose, separating or protruding teeth
- Spaces between teeth
If you notice any of the above warning signs of periodontal infection, please contact your general dentist and ask for a periodontal evaluation.
Important Note: Your gums can look and feel quite normal and yet deep pockets of periodontal infection can still be present. To be certain about any periodontal disease, ask your dentist or periodontist to examine your gums for signs of infection.
Who is a Periodontist?
Your general dentist is trained to detect and treat the early stages of periodontal disease. A periodontist is a dentist with advanced training in the diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease. They also perform other periodontal treatments, such as crown lengthening and dental implants (see the Procedures Section). Periodontics is one of eight specialties recognized by the American Dental Association.
What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease (also known as "periodontal infection", "gum disease" or "pyorrhea") is an ongoing infection in the gums around your teeth. The cause of periodontal disease is infectious bacteria that gets deep into your gums.
This infection starts destroying the bone that supports your teeth. If left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss. For more information, please see the section entitled Periodontal Disease.
Advantages of dental implants?
In many instances, a dental implant can provide unequaled long-term natural and esthetic results. Since the implant crown is not soldered to adjacent teeth, a more natural tooth shape can be achicved. i’his also makes dental hygiene, especially flossing, much easier.
A dental implant functions very much like a normal tooth. You will again be able to chew all of the foods you like without worrying about the condition of your smile.
A final, critical benefit of a dental implant is that it helps stimulate and maintain the normal bone and soft tissues around the implant. This ensures you a beautiful smile that will stay beautiful for many years to come!
Why, all of a sudden, is my dentist sending me to a periodontist?
Periodontists have advanced training in the treatment of periodontal disease and in the placement of dental implants.
Patients with periodontal infection show weakened resistance to periodontal bacteria. This causes a continuing gum infection that can grow in bursts of activity. Some factors that can cause a dramatic increase in the severity of your periodontal disease are:
- Poor oral hygiene
- Dental
- Plaque
- Smoking
- Genetic factors
- Stress
- Diet
- Age
- Illness
Two other important factors are:
- Lack of regular dental checkups
- Lack of regular dental cleanings
When your infection has a "burst" of growth, or when there are signs that this is may occur, your dentist may recommend periodontal treatment.
How is periodontal disease treated?
Periodontal disease is an infection in the gums and jawbone. The goal of treatment is to remove this infection and prevent it from coming back. For more information, see the Procedures section.
After your initial examination, we will completely explain the specific line of treatment required.
Does periodontal treatment hurt?
One of our primary concerns is that you remain comfortable during treatment. We offer an extensive array of the latest techniques to minimize discomfort.
For more information on these techniques, see the Procedures section.
Afterwards, many of our patients say they are amazed at how little discomfort they experienced.
What is going to happen on my first visit?
On your first visit to our office, you will receive a periodontal examination. You should experience little to no discomfort during this examination. If necessary, x-rays will be taken to further evaluate any loss of bone around your teeth.
Afterwards, our findings and your options for treatment will be thoroughly explained. The doctor will answer any questions you may have.
Our goal is that you leave with a complete understanding of your condition and the treatment needed to restore you to optimum oral health.
How much will treatment cost and will my insurance cover it?
Everyone deserves to keep their natural teeth for a lifetime. While periodontal treatment is not as costly as replacing natural teeth due to tooth loss, its cost can vary greatly depending upon your needs.
If you have dental insurance, this may provide full or partial coverage. Our office will contact your insurance company to learn what they will cover.
We feel that finances should never be an obstacle to treatment. For your convenience, we offer several payment options. We also have payment plans to suit your individual needs. Our insurance coordinator will be happy to answer any of your financial or insurance questions.
Why must I start treatment right away?
Periodontal infection grows in "bursts of activity."
It is likely that you have been referred to us because your general dentist has noticed an increase in infection activity.
This infection eats away at the bone that supports your teeth, leading to tooth loss. If not treated, there can be a number of consequences.
What are the medical consequences if I delay treatment?
When periodontal infection gets into the bone around your teeth, it can then enter your blood stream. From there it travels to other parts of the body and can contribute to medical problems.
Recent research has found that patients with periodontal disease are more than twice as likely to have heart disease and strokes.
How is my general dentist important to my periodontal care?
Your general dentist knows your entire dental history, the condition of your teeth and your future dental needs. He is in charge of your overall dental care. We work closely with him or her to ensure you will receive the best possible dental care.
In many cases, your general dentist may do your preliminary periodontal treatment and a portion of your periodontal maintenance afterwards.
What are the symptoms of periodontal disease?
Because periodontal infection grows under your gums, you can have no symptoms at all.
More advanced cases can result in some of the following symptoms:
- Red, swollen or tender gums
- Tooth sensitivity to heat/cold
- Bad breath
- Deep pockets around the teeth
- Spaces between the teeth
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Missing teeth
- Gums receding around the teeth (longer looking teeth)
Do you use the latest equipment and techniques?
We keep ourselves up to date regarding equipment and periodontal procedures. You can be sure you will receive state-of-the-art care in our office.
Regarding sterilization, we believe that all procedures should be safe as well as comfortable. We use only the latest sterilization techniques. For more information on treatment techniques and sterilization see the section entitled Procedures
What other treatments do you provide?
Besides periodontal treatment and dental implants, we can perform a number of procedures, including:
- Gingival (gum) Contouring
- Frenectomy
- Routine Periodontal Cleaning
- Non-surgical Deep Cleaning including "Root Planing & Scaling"
- Extractions
- Tooth Whitening
