Most patients have suffered or at least heard about periodontal disease. This dental problem is one of the most prevalent among the US population, so we advise our patients to be aware of its signs and symptoms. Catching this disease on time is the best way to prevent irreversible damage to your smile.
What causes Periodontal problems?
Many factors can lead to periodontal disease, including systemic conditions, medications, hormonal alterations, and pregnancy. However, the most common cause of periodontal problems is poor oral hygiene. The bacteria in dental plaque trigger an inflammatory response in the gum tissue, and if this plaque isn’t removed soon enough, it can cause permanent damage to periodontal tissues.
Periodontal Disease
The first stage of periodontal disease is known as gingivitis or gums disease, and it consists of a reversible inflammation of the periodontal tissues. This means that if the dental plaque or tartar is correctly removed, your gums will gradually go back to normal.
However, if gums disease is left untreated, it can progress to a more severe condition known as periodontitis or periodontal disease. At this point, bacteria cause irreversible damage to your periodontal tissue, and you need to see a Periodontist (a dentist who specializes in periodontics) for a more complex treatment to restore oral health.
Signs and Symptoms of Periodontal Disease
Patients can easily spot warning signs of this disease. It is advisable to visit a periodontist if you detect any of the following:
- Bad breath that won’t go away
- Red, swollen or bleeding gums
- Painful chewing
- Loose teeth
- Sensitive teeth
- Gums that have pulled away from your teeth
In case you have periodontal disease, you should contact a Dental office, like BowTie Dental Studioand talk to a periodontist who has vast experience in periodontal treatment and will quickly examine your smile to determine if you need any therapy.
How is Periodontal Disease treated?
A specialist in periodontics can only treat advanced stages of periodontal disease. Depending on the severity and stage of the condition, it might require different treatments, but the most common procedures are:
- SRP: SRP stands for Scaling and Root Planning. During this procedure, your periodontist removes the dental plaque and tartar directly in contact with your periodontal tissue, typically accumulated below the gum line. This treatment usually takes more than one clinical session and requires the compromise of periodontal patients to maintain oral hygiene for long-term results.
- Laser Therapy: Laser therapy is another treatment available to stop the progress of a periodontal disease. Specialists in periodontics use this focused, narrow beam of light to kill bacteria and remove inflamed tissue. Laser therapy is a less invasive approach and is a popular choice amongst those patients with dental anxiety.
- Periodontal surgery: periodontists might need to perform a surgical procedure to treat advanced stages of periodontal disease. During the surgery, they expose the roots of the affected teeth to remove dental plaque and tartar accumulated deep inside gingival pockets.
