What is Periodontal Disease?
Ongoing bacterial infection in the gums and bone around your teeth.
This infection leads to an inflammation under the gums, and if not treated, this inflammation will destroy the bone around your teeth.
Tooth loss is the result.
Approximately 75% of all adult tooth loss is due to periodontal infection.
What is an "Ongoing Infection"?
Have you ever gotten a sliver of wood caught under the skin of your hand?
Bacteria infect the site.
Inflammation occurs.
Your Immune System fights the bacteria but is unable to conquer it.
Bone Loss occurs.
Tooth Loss occurs.
What Can Worsen This Infection?
Poor oral hygiene: Dental Plaque. THIS CAUSES THE INFECTION
Smoking & Uncontrolled Diabetes: The #1 FACTORS in worsening the infection.
Genetic factors
Stress or tension
Diet
Age
Illness such as diabetes
What can you do to make sure you do not have this Infection?
Get a Comprehensive Periodontal Examination.
Includes Probing Depths, Recession, Mobility, Plaque %, Calculus %.
A Full Series of Radiographs. A PANO and 4 Bitewings does not show this infection.
Bone Loss %
DIAGNOSIS: WHAT ARE THE PROBLEMS? LIKE THE MEDICAL MODAL.
PROGNOSIS: HOW LONG WILL YOU KEEP YOUR TEETH?
The determine what the appropriate treatment is to avoid unnecessary and unpredictable treatment(s).
Symptoms of Periodontal Infection
Periodontal infection is usually PAINLESS until it reaches an advanced stage.
Red or swollen gums
Bleeding when brushing (pink toothbrush), or at other times
Aching, itchy, sore or tender gums
Receding gums (teeth beginning to look longer)
Pus between your teeth and gums when you press down on the gums
Bad breath
Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
Any change in the fit of partial dentures
Loose, separating or protruding teeth
Spaces between teeth
Important Note: Your gums can look and feel quite normal and yet deep pockets of periodontal infection can still be present. To be certain about any periodontal disease, ask your dentist or periodontist to examine your gums for signs of infection.
Why see a Periodontist?
A periodontist is a dental SPECIALIST in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease.
Periodontists receive extensive training for 3 additional years beyond dental school.
Periodontists are EXPERTS in the foundation around teeth.
We are the specialty that help treat this issue to best KEEP YOUR TEETH.
We also provide other treatments, such as crown lengthening and bone regeneration (see the Individual & Cosmetic Procedures section for more information on these procedures).
