Periodontal Therapy

What is periodontal disease/gum disease?

Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues that surround the teeth. This disease does have a genetic component but it is primarily a result of bacteria causing an inflammatory reaction and your body’s response to that bacterial invasion.

Symptoms of periodontal disease

Bleeding gums
Red, swollen, tender gums
Bad breath or a bad taste
Mobility in permanent teeth (loose)
Unexpected changes in the way your partial dentures fit
Unexpected changes in your bite
Gums that have pulled away from your teeth

There are many factors that increase the risk of developing gum disease, including smoking, pregnancy and diabetes. It is important to visit Conway Family Dental Care if you suspect you have gum disease, because the sooner you treat it, the better.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the early stage of periodontal disease. Symptoms of gingivitis include gums that are red, swollen, bleeding and can be uncomfortable. At this stage of the disease process, these symptoms are reversible and can usually be eliminated by a professional cleaning, continual professional maintenance and diligent home care.

Periodontitis

Periodontitis is a more severe form of periodontal disease that is characterized by the progression of loss of tissue and bone supporting structures of the teeth. This disease is progressive if not properly treated and can lead to severe bone and tissue loss and eventually loss of teeth. As this disease progresses your teeth will feel and become loose over time. There is typically no pain with this disease.

There are two main forms of this periodontitis; chronic and aggressive. Chronic periodontitis is typically slower, generalized throughout the mouth and typically easier to treat. Aggressive periodontitis is highly rapid destructive of surrounding tissues and could be localized in certain areas of the mouth or seen in the entire mouth. Periodontitis has been linked to other diseases in the body including heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, and arthritis.

Regular dental checkups are important to catch the disease process quickly and treat the condition. The treatment methods will depend upon the type of disease and progression. Diligent dental home care and maintenance after treatment will ensure the disease process is arrested.