|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Periodontal
(Gum) Disease is a “silent” disease – until their teeth
become loose and fall out, most people do not know they
even have it, or how serious it is. It is the #1 reason
adults lose their teeth. |
| In fact, did you know that more
than 75% of all adults have gum disease? Recent Dental/Medical
research has shown a direct correlation to
periodontal disease
and systemic health. People with periodontal disease have
an increased risk of stroke, heart attack, diabetic complications,
and serious problems with pregnancy. |
 |
| |
Do your gums
bleed when you brush, floss or use a toothpick?
Are your gums red, swollen
and painful?
Do you have pus coming from
between your gums and teeth if you
 push
on your gums?
Are your gums pulling away
from your teeth?
Has there been a change
in the way your teeth come together when
you
bite or chew on food?
Do your teeth look longer
because of receding gums?
Are your teeth loose?
Do you have bad breath?
If you wear a partial denture,
does it still fit the same? |
| |
| If any of these statements are true, then
you may have a problem with your gums. You may need more
than just a routine cleaning of your teeth to get your gums
healthy again. A thorough evaluation of your gums and your
overall dental health includes a comprehensive examination,
a complete set of x-rays, and periodontal probing. If there
is bone loss and deep pocketing you may need non-surgical
periodontal or surgical periodontal care. |
| |
|
| Beginning Stages
- Gingivitis |
|
|
The adjacent
photo depicts healthy teeth, gums and bone. In healthy
gums a periodontal probe instrument should only go 1-3
mm (marks) into the gum. Regular checkups with professional
cleanings will help keep gum tissue in good health.
Gingivitis is the early stage of periodontal disease.
The gum tissues are red and puffy, and there is plaque
and tartar building up around the teeth.
There is no bone loss, yet. The probe measures 3-5 mm
into the space between the teeth and gum. During this
stage, gingivitis can be reversed with proper treatment |
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
| Advanced Periodontics |
|
This is the most
serious stage of gum disease, since the infection has destroyed
most of the bone around the tooth. The plaque and tartar
covers the tooth well below the gum and on the roots.
The gums recede even further; the teeth become loose and
can shift causing your bite to change. If the pocket between
the tooth and the gum is more than 8 mm. you are at great
risk of losing your teeth. |
 |
| With
Periodontics the plaque and calculus spreads down the
root infecting the bone and the ligament holding the tooth
into the jaw |
| This
causes the gums and bone to recede away from the tooth.
The space between the tooth and the gum measures more than
5 mm and traps food and more plaque under the gum. With
proper treatment you can prevent further damage. |
| Avoiding Periodontal Disease |
Maintaining good oral health is the key to
keeping your teeth for a lifetime. This includes regular
visits to the dental office for cleanings, x-rays and check
ups. Cleanings can be as infrequent as every six months,
or as often as every three or four months, depending upon
the health of your gums, and how quickly you develop tartar
and stains on your teeth.
Remember that 75% of all adults have periodontal disease.
Home brushing and flossing are the building blocks to a
lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. Flossing removes food
that might remain between your teeth after you brush.
If the food is not removed, it can start decay, and if the
food gets trapped in your gum, it can cause gingivitis,
or make your existing gum disease worse. You should brush
2-3 times a day, preferably after every meal and before
you go to sleep.
|
| Perio Treatment |
Non-surgical periodontal treatment is possible
for the early and moderate stages of periodontal disease.
This treatment involves removing the plaque and calculus
(tartar) that has formed under the gum - in the area known
as the pocket, and smoothing the root surfaces.
Local anesthesia is typically used to assure comfort during
treatment. The area is then treated with medication such
as antibiotics or antibacterial agents.
With moderate to advanced Periodontics, bone loss is present
and surgical periodontal treatment may be required. All
patients that undergo periodontal treatment, whether it
is non-surgical or surgical, need to have their teeth cleaned
and their gums checked on a regular basis. This will be
as often as every three to four months.
It is vitally important to do this to prevent further
periodontal
problems. Periodontal disease is a chronic problem. Without
ongoing treatment, the infection and disease will recur,
and each time it does, more bone can be lost, until eventually
the teeth become loose and need to be removed.
The goal of non-surgical periodontal treatment is to bring
the gums back to good health by shrinking or eliminating
the pockets around the teeth that are the site of infection,
without having to have gum surgery.
Editorial Staff |
| |
|
