What are the signs of periodontal disease?
Unlike tooth decay which usually causes discomfort, it is possible to have periodontal disease without noticeable symptoms. Some warning signs include: gums that bleed easily, gums that pull away from the teeth, persistent bad breath, pus, loose teeth, or a change in the way your teeth come together when you bite.
My parents lost all their teeth to periodontal disease early in life. Am I at risk?
Genetics and environment do play a role as a risk factor for periodontal disease. Other risk factors include poor oral hygiene, smoking, systemic diseases such as diabetes, and certain medications that alter the condition of the gums.
How do I treat my periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is first treated by a non-surgical procedure called scaling and root planing. A local anesthetic may be used during the procedure to reduce discomfort. The dental hygienist or doctor, goes below the gumline to the bottom of the pocket to remove bacteria, plaque, and calculus, creating a clean root surface. A local antibiotic material may also be placed in a deeper pocket. Treatment may require more than one visit depending on the areas of your mouth that are affected.
What is the reason for doing surgery for periodontal disease?
Surgery is done when areas have not responded to scaling and root planning procedures. Surgery allows the dentist and the patient to access hard to reach areas that require the removal of plaque and calculus. Surgical procedures also allow access to recontour bony defects to promote proper healing.
My gum tissue is receding on my front tooth, what can be done?
Gum recession can be a significant sign of periodontal disease. Fortunately, there are treatments available to reduce the process and to rebuild the gums through grafting procedures.
Do I have to see a specialist to treat and monitor my periodontal disease?
Most conditions can be treated through the non-surgical procedure of scaling and root planing at your dental office. More complicated conditions that have not responded to initial treatment may require more advanced procedures and require the specific skills of a periodontal specialist.