If you have periodontal disease, you’re not alone. Around half of adults have gum disease to some degree. But, the most important thing you can do to save your teeth and improve your oral health is to have good dental hygiene and frequent dental visits.
Call Beckstead Dental Group today to learn more about our periodontal disease management and treatment options!
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease, commonly called gum disease, is a common but serious oral health issue. When you have gum disease, it means you have infected and inflamed gum tissue. Without proper treatment and management, gum disease can lead to severe infections and tooth loss.
During the early stages of periodontal disease, it’s possible to reverse the effects, but as the disease progresses, permanent bone loss can occur.
Signs of Periodontal Disease
The signs and symptoms of periodontal disease may worsen as the disease progresses. Generally, you should go to the dentist if you notice any of these things:
- Gums that are red or purple
- Bleeding gums
- Bad breath
- An unpleasant taste in your mouth
- Pain when you chew
- Gums pulling away from the teeth
- Sore gums
- Loose teeth
Remember that periodontal disease is much easier to treat and manage at the early stages. So, the sooner you address the issue, the better the results will be.
It’s also important to note that some people are at higher risk for developing gum disease than others. Risk factors include hormonal changes, diabetes, autoimmune disorders, heart disease, adn chronic stress.
Stages of Gum Disease
There are four main stages of periodontal disease. Let’s review what each of them look like:
- Gingivitis: At the earliest stages, you’ll notice red gums and bleeding while flossing. Gingivitis can be reversed with treatment.
- Mild periodontitis: As bacteria gets into your gums, it starts to impact the bone. You may notice that your gums pull away from your teeth and create pockets that can’t be reached by brushing or flossing.
- Moderate periodontitis: At this stage, the bacteria will benign to erode the soft tissues and gums in your mouth, causing symptoms like pain and infection around the gum line.
- Advanced periodontitis: Once the condition worsens, bone loss will progress, leading to loose teeth. Often, people lose teeth at this stage.
The best way to treat periodontal disease is with good dental hygiene habits, such as daily brushing, daily flossing, and regular dental visits. Call us today for a checkup and cleaning to keep your gums healthy!
Gum Disease Treatment in a Caring Environment!
Gum Disease Treatment in a Caring Environment!
Periodontal disease can be uncomfortable at best and life-threatening at worst. At the first sign of periodontal disease, the best thing to do is book an appointment with our dentists at Beckstead Dental Group. We provide treatment options such as:
- Arestin: Arestin is a locally administered antibiotic that is placed directly into the periodontal pockets after scaling and root planing. This antibiotic continues to fight infection for an extended period, significantly reducing pocket depth and aiding in the healing of gum tissue.
- Gingivectomy: A gingivectomy is a surgical procedure designed to remove diseased gum tissue and reshape healthy gums for a better aesthetic and functional fit around the teeth. This procedure is often recommended when excess gum tissue has formed as a result of periodontal disease, creating deep pockets that trap food particles and bacteria.
- Guided Tissue Regeneration: This regenerative procedure is used to stimulate the growth of bone and gum tissue lost due to periodontal disease. By placing a biocompatible fabric barrier between the existing bone and the tooth, new growth is encouraged to occur, potentially reversing some of the damage caused by periodontitis.
- Periodontal Cleaning: Periodontal cleaning, also known as deep cleaning, involves the removal of plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line. This cleaning goes deeper than a regular cleaning to address the roots and the foundation of the gum tissue. Regular periodontal cleanings are crucial for patients managing chronic periodontal disease, helping to halt the progression of the condition.
- Scaling and Root Planing: Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical procedure that thoroughly cleans the root surfaces to remove plaque and tartar from deep periodontal pockets and smoothes the tooth root to remove bacterial toxins. The smoothing of the root helps gums reattach to the tooth, reducing the depth of the pockets and improving the health of the gum tissue. This treatment is often the first line of defense against periodontal disease and is effective in reducing inflammation and preventing bone loss.
Protect Your Smile from Periodontal Disease
Managing and treating periodontal disease is crucial for maintaining both your oral health and overall health. At our practice, we offer a comprehensive range of treatments tailored to address the specific needs of each patient struggling with gum disease. Whether it’s through the targeted application of Arestin, surgical interventions like gingivectomy and guided tissue regeneration, or thorough cleanings such as scaling and root planing, our dedicated team is here to restore the health of your gums.
Trust your care to the expertise of our dentist in Palo Alto and take the first step towards a healthier, brighter smile. Our helpful dental team will help you make changes to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Reach out today to request an appointment in Palo Alto!