Prevention and Treatment of Gum Disease
Dentist Fanwood
Periodontics involves the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss. At our dental office, we will gently evaluate your gums and overall oral health and if necessary, will make treatment recommendations.
Prevention and Treatment of Gum Disease
Periodontics involves the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease.
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is an inflammation and infection of the gum tissues. It includes the stages commonly known as gingivitis and periodontitis. Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.
When plaque and tartar are left untreated on teeth and gums, gum disease may develop. You can reduce your risk of gum disease by brushing twice and flossing once every day. You should also have a dental exam and professional cleaning at least twice each year.
Gingivitis includes a variety of mild to moderate symptoms, such as:
- Red, swollen gums
- Sensitive teeth
- Gums bleeding from normal brushing or eating
- Chronic halitosis (bad breath)
- Difficulty or pain in chewing
Periodontitis is a more advanced form of gum disease. In this case, gums begin to pull away from teeth, creating small “pockets” along the gum line. Tooth loss, bone loss, and damage to gums and soft tissues can occur with periodontitis.
Treatment
The most common treatment for gum disease is known as deep cleaning or scaling and root planing. Our hygienist can perform this gentle and effective removal of tartar, calculus, and infected tissue.
Common risk factors for gum disease include poor oral hygiene habits, diabetes, smoking, and hormonal changes. Some medications can also increase your likelihood of developing gum disease. Many recent studies have found that untreated gum disease negatively impacts other aspects of your overall health. This is especially common for patients with cardiovascular disease or diabetes. Contact Dental Sanctuary of Fanwood for a consultation and screening today.
Your Periodontic Treatment May Include:
- Diagnosing Periodontal Disease
- Deep Cleaning
Diagnosing Periodontal Disease
Understanding Your Gum Health
Diagnosing periodontal disease involves a thorough assessment of the gums, teeth, and supporting structures. Dr. Tanvi Patel and Dr. Priya Patel will conduct a comprehensive examination that includes several key components. These may include visually inspecting the gums for signs of inflammation, measuring periodontal pocket depths using a probe, and taking X-rays to evaluate bone loss.
Early diagnosis of periodontal disease is crucial because it allows for timely intervention and treatment. Periodontal disease, if left undiagnosed and untreated, can progress and lead to irreversible damage to the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. This can result in tooth loss and even impact overall health, as research has linked periodontal disease to various systemic conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
Stages of Periodontal Disease
- Gingivitis: the first stage of periodontal disease, characterized by inflamed, tender, bleeding gums and plaque build-up.
- Periodontitis: the second stage of periodontal disease, characterized by plaque hardening into calculus (tartar), gum recession, deepening gum pockets, and early stages of bone loss.
- Advanced Periodontitis: the final stage of periodontal disease, characterized by the destruction of gums, bone, and ligament tissues, loosening and loss of teeth, and more severe bone loss.
Deep Cleaning
Thorough Treatment for Gum Disease
Periodontal disease is very treatable, but it cannot be fully cured. After the completion of your periodontitis treatment, you will be scheduled for regular ongoing maintenance care. These visits will involve a thorough professional cleaning and monitoring of your oral health to ensure the disease does not recur and progress further.
We recommend scheduling your periodontal maintenance visits and your general dentistry visits on an alternating schedule. This ensures you are receiving the proper care and treatments for your oral health needs in a timely, consistent manner.
A dental deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, is a procedure that goes beyond routine cleaning and is typically recommended for patients who have gum disease or are at risk of developing it. During the procedure, our dental professionals at Dental Sanctuary of Fanwood will use specialized tools to remove plaque and tartar buildup from below the gum line, as well as smooth out rough spots on the teeth roots to prevent bacteria from accumulating.
This treatment is typically recommended for patients who have gum disease, which is caused by the buildup of bacteria and plaque on the teeth and gums. Symptoms of gum disease include
bleeding or swollen gums, bad breath, receding gums, and loose teeth. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss and other serious health problems.
The benefits of a dental deep cleaning are numerous:
- It can help prevent gum disease from progressing and improve overall oral health.
- It can help reduce the risk of other health problems associated with gum disease, such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
- Patients who undergo a deep cleaning may also notice fresher breath, whiter teeth, and a healthier, more vibrant smile.
