PERIODONTAL THERAPY
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Periodontal Therapy
Gum Disease Treatment
In the US today, half of all adults over the age of 30 have some stage of gum disease. If left untreated, gum disease leads to loss of tissue and bone that support the teeth, eventually leading to tooth loss. And in large part due to the inflammation of the gums and bacterial spread, gum disease has also been linked to numerous other health issues including heart and lung diseases, diabetes, stroke, dementia, and pregnancy complications.
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​The good news is that gum disease is almost entirely preventable with good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups. In its early stage, it can usually be reversed simply by brushing and flossing daily and properly, and perhaps a regular cleaning at K Family Dentistry. And even in moderate to advanced stages, it can often still be reversed with appropriate dental treatment. Your oral health is important, and we take it seriously. We offer scaling and root planing, dental crown lengthening, and bone grafting to fight gum disease and restore your oral health. Contact us today to learn more about gum disease treatment or to schedule an appointment with us.
PERIODONTAL THERAPY
What Causes Gum Disease?
Gum disease is a common condition that affects most adults at some point in their lives. In most cases, gum disease is caused by poor oral hygiene. Gum disease is a progressive infection that presents in two stages: gingivitis and periodontitis. Sometimes gum disease is the result of certain health or lifestyle factors, including hormonal changes, smoking and tobacco use, stress, family history, chronic illness, and some medications.
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PERIODONTAL THERAPY
Stages of Gum Disease
There are three stages periodontal (gum) disease: gingivitis, periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis. Gum disease is often completely painless so it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms!
Gingivitis is the mildest form of periodontal disease, where bacteria in plaque cause gum irritation, inflammation, redness, and occasional bleeding during brushing. The space between teeth and gums deepens, forming pockets. Only the gums are affected, and it's highly treatable with no bone or tissue damage yet. Symptoms like bad breath or a metallic taste may start, though detection can be difficult without a dental exam. If untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis.
Periodontitis is a severe gum infection that affects the bone supporting the teeth. As pockets between the teeth deepen, debris, bacteria, and plaque accumulate below the gum line, leading to increased redness, swelling, and bleeding. Irreversible bone and tissue loss occur, and teeth may feel loose. In Advanced Periodontitis, pockets deepen further and can fill with pus. Bacterial toxins from plaque and tartar cause further damage to gum tissue, bone, and ligaments. Teeth become extremely sensitive to hot and cold, may feel very loose, and may need to be removed to prevent the disease from spreading further.
Non-Surgical & Surgical Gum Disease Treatments
Though gum disease can be alarming, modern dentistry offers various treatments to halt and even reverse its effects. Gingivitis is usually reversible with professional cleanings and good oral hygiene, while more advanced stages require professional treatment. Your dentist can recommend surgical or non-surgical options based on your specific needs.
Scaling and Root Planing is the first step in treating periodontitis, often referred to as a dental "deep cleaning." This process removes plaque, tartar, and bacteria from above and below the gum line, helping the gums heal and reattach to the teeth. Most cases of periodontitis can be reversed with this treatment and good oral hygiene.
Surgical Treatments may be needed for advanced periodontitis when deep cleaning alone isn't enough. These options include pocket reduction surgery, gum or bone grafts, and regenerative therapy.