Periodontal diseases range from simple gum inflammation (gingivitis) to serious disease that result in major damage to the soft tissue and bone that support the teeth (periodontitis). In the worst cases scenario teeth are lost. Whether your gum disease is stopped, slowed, or gets worse depends a great deal on your daily dental hygiene.
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Periodontal diseases range from simple gum inflammation (gingivitis) to serious disease that result in major damage to the soft tissue and bone that support the teeth (periodontitis). In the worst cases teeth are lost. Whether your gum disease is stopped, slowed, or gets worse depends a great deal on your daily dental hygiene.
The longer bacteria are in contact with gums and teeth, the more harmful they become. The bacteria (in the form of plaque and tartar) cause an inflammation of the gums called “gingivitis.” With gingivitis, the gums become red, swollen, and can bleed easily.
Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that can usually be reversed with daily brushing, flossing, and regular cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist. This form of gum disease does not include any loss of bone and tissue around the teeth.
When gingivitis is not treated, it can advance to periodontitis (inflammation around the tooth). In periodontitis, gums pull away from the teeth and form spaces, called pockets that become infected. The body’s immune system fights the bacteria as the plaque spreads and grows below the gum line.
Bacterial toxins and the body’s natural response to infection start to break down the bone and connective tissue that hold teeth in place. If not treated, the bones, gums, and tissue that support the teeth are destroyed.
The main goal of treatment is to control the infection. The number and types of treatment will vary, depending on the extent of the gum disease. Any type of treatment requires that the patient keeps up good daily care at home. The doctor may also suggest changing certain behaviours, such as stop smoking, as a way to improve treatment outcome.
The dentist, periodontist, or dental hygienist removes bacteria through a deep-cleaning method called scaling and root planning. Scaling means scraping off the tartar from above and below the gum line. Root planning gets rid of rough spots on the tooth root where the germs gather, and helps remove plaque and tartar. In many cases more invasive surgery procedures might be used in conjunction with antibiotics and antimicrobial treatments.
When treatment occurs too late dental extractions might be the last solution to avoid further bone loss.
If you'd like to learn more about our treatments or begin your dental journey in our state of the art dental surgery, please book an appointment.
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