Gum Disease
 Periodontal
disease, more commonly known as gum disease, is caused by a
chronic bacterial infection.
Gum disease has
two distinct phases; Gingivitis and Periodontitis.
Either phase can be a serious threat to your smile because when
left untreated tooth loss may occur.
The initial phase of gum
disease, known as Gingivitis, can be mild and
cause little to no discomfort. Red, swollen, possibly bleeding
gums and bad breath are the obvious symptoms, and are most
commonly caused by inadequate oral hygiene. The good news is
that Gingivitis is 100% reversible with professional treatment,
and adherence to a good oral hygiene regimen.
Untreated Gingivitis can lead to the second phase of gum disease
known as Periodontitis. This is the point
at which plaque has spread below the gum line, and bacteria
begin to irritate the gums through the production of toxins.
These toxins will eventually create inflammation that can lead
to bone and tissue loss. The gums will separate from the teeth
creating pockets that deepen and cause even greater bone and
tissue loss. These symptoms, while insidious, can be mild, and
give the impression that things are not as bad as they truly
are. The end result of untreated periodontitis is almost always
tooth loss, so early diagnosis and treatment is essential.
Treatment
Dr. Smith tailors
gum disease treatment for our patients based on the type and
progression of their periodontal disease. Advanced
therapeutic treatment may be enough to remedy the
problem, but if the disease has progressed further then a
treatment known as scaling may be the best solution. This
treatment involves cleaning the deposits attached to the roots
of the teeth below the gum line. In order to perform this
treatment properly, general anesthesia is used over the course
of a number of visits, and the patient may be directed to take
prescription medications such as mouthwashes and antibiotics.
Oral irrigation
is another effective strategy in the fight against gum disease,
so devices like Braun™, and Sonicare™ electric toothbrushes
may be recommended. When used together with root planing
and scaling, we can oftentimes help our patients without
resorting to surgical procedures.
Advanced periodontal
disease, when deep pockets are found and bone loss has occurred,
may prompt Dr. Smith to recommend
periodontal surgery. If this is the case, we will provide
references for a quality periodontal surgeon.
We offer more Preventative
Dentistry Services – Patrick G. Smith DDS offers a full range
of preventative dentistry options that will protect your teeth
and save you money. Our preventative dentistry options are
designed to help patients maintain a healthy smile over the
course of a lifetime.
- Other
Preventative Dentistry Services
- Teeth
Cleaning
- Digital
X-Rays
- Oral
Cancer Screening
If you would like to schedule an appointment,
please call us at 248-644-3414
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