What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease can be an aggressive or a chronic infection of the gums and bone that surround and support your teeth.  The infection is caused by bacteria that collects on your teeth and in pockets between your teeth and your gums.  If left untreated, the infection progresses to cause gums abscesses, tooth loosening, and eventually tooth loss.  Research has shown that untreated periodontal disease is linked to systemic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory disease, osteoporosis and pregnancy complications.

Diagnosis

Periodontal disease is usually painful only in the late stages.  A thorough periodontal evaluation is sometimes the only way to diagnose periodontal disease.  Remember that professional intervention is necessary for diagnosis and treatment, and it is important to be evaluated in the following situations:

 

gums that bleed easliy

 

red, swollen, or tender gums

 

bad breath

 

loose or migrating teeth

 

changing bite

• If you have parents or siblings with periodontal disease or who had lost their teeth at an early age.
• If you have cardiovascular disease, diabetes or respiratory disease.
• If you smoke.
• If you have missing teeth.
• If you are not comfortable with you current tooth replacements, or if your current denture is not stable.
• If you have a gummy smile
• If your gums are receding (pulling away from your teeth)

How is periodontal disease treated?

Daily home care on your part is the most important aspect for longterm success of periodontal therapy.  Research has shown that effective treatment may be divided into three stages. 

Stage 1 involves the removal of bacteria and tartar (calculus) from under the gumline.  This process is called root planing and is usually performed under local anesthetic.  It is sometimes beneficial to place you on certain types of antibiotics or anti-microbial rinses during this stage of treatment.  A bite adjustment may be necessary in some cases.

Stage 2 involves the surgical correction of defects or "craters" in the bone surrounding your teeth and additional removal of bacteria and calculus on tooth roots.  These defects are created by the infection and their correction is essential for effective home care and resolution of periodontal disease.  Guided tissue regeneration is a procedure that will rebuild some of the tissues and bone that were lost due to periodontal disease.

Stage 3 is the longest and most important phase of treatment.  It is the supportive periodontal therapy phase and involves a regular recall schedule tailored especially for your needs.