Periodontal Care

There are two periodontally related conditions that we treat commonly in our office: periodontal disease and gum recession.

Periodontal disease (gum disease) is the single most common cause of tooth loss in adults. This inflammatory disease attacks the gums, bone and other supporting structures of the teeth. Periodontal disease is caused by plaque, which is a sticky film that forms on the tooth surface and is made mostly of bacteria. The byproducts from the bacteria can irritate the gums causing them to become red, tender and swollen. If not removed daily, plaque hardens to form calculus (tartar) around the necks of the teeth. This calculus can deepen the space between the gum and tooth (pocket) making it more difficult to remove plaque buildup.

It is possible to have periodontal disease and have no warning signs. This is one reason why regular dental checkups and examinations are necessary. There are several signs that can signal a beginning problem with periodontal disease and include:

• Persistent bad breath or bad taste
• Gums that bleed from brushing or flossing your teeth
• Red, swollen or tender gums
• Gums that have receded or shrunken away from your teeth
• Pus between your teeth when you press your gums with your finger
• Pain when chewing
• Teeth that are overly sensitive to hot or cold

Treating periodontal disease can vary depending on how far the condition has progressed. The first step is a deep cleaning and scaling to remove plaque and tartar deposits from the teeth. The root surfaces of the tooth may also be smoothed to help the gum tissue reattach to the tooth and speed up the healing process.

In some cases when the pockets have become to deep or do not properly heal, periodontal surgery may be necessary to reduce the pocket depth. Daily good oral hygiene and regular dental cleanings can decrease the risk of developing periodontal disease.

Gum recession is a common condition in young adults who otherwise may have a healthy periodontium. There are many etiologies, the most common being aggressive tooth brushing and bruxism (teeth grinding). Recession is not only unaesthetic, but may also lead to tooth loss. It can be easily treated with a gingival graft. Our staff periodontist can answer any questions you have pertaining to this procedure or other related periodontal conditions.