Periodontal Treatment

According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one out of every two adults over the age of 30 in the United States has periodontal disease. However, the good news is that periodontal disease is almost entirely preventable.

Periodontal disease, more commonly known as gum disease, is a set of inflammatory diseases that affect the 'periodontium', which are the hard and soft tissues surrounding and supporting your teeth. Just like tooth decay, gum disease is attributed to the harmful bacteria in dental plaque and tartar that accumulate around the teeth and under the gums.

Some indications that you may have periodontal disease include inflamed and red gums, bleeding when brushing or flossing, receding gums and exposed tooth root surfaces, sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth, teeth that feel loose, new spaces developing between the teeth or a change in the bite, discharge around the teeth and gums, and sharp or dull pain when biting down or chewing food.

Gingivitis represents the initial stage of gum disease. Treatment instituted at this point is often sufficient to reverse the course of the disease and avoid any permanent damage.

When left untreated, gingivitis develops into a more advanced and damaging stage known as periodontitis. At this point, the connective tissue and bone that hold the teeth in place begin to break down.

Periodontal treatment can be categorized as Non-Surgical Periodontal Treatment (scaling and root planing) or Periodontal Surgery (pocket reduction surgery, flap surgery, dental lasers).

Thanks to advances in care, periodontal treatment today not only helps to halt the progression of gum disease but also delivers effective solutions, including bone grafting and regenerative procedures to repair tissue damage, restore bone volume, improve cosmetics, or provide adequate support for the placement of dental implants.