What is Periodontal (Gum)
disease?
Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammation and infection
of your gums and surrounding tissue and is the leading cause
of tooth loss in adults. It is a condition that can cause
serious problems if left untreated,
Periodontal disease
Periodontal
disease is a serious infection. Evidence now links it to a
variety of health concerns including heart disease, stroke,
diabetes, and other degenerative diseases that are life
threatening. It's not just a problem in your mouth anymore!
The prevention of gum disease is a major goal of your dental
hygienist.
As it progresses, periodontal disease causes your gums to
swell, become very red, and bleed readily. Your teeth may
shift and dark spaces may start showing between them. In
it's worst stages periodontal disease can cause your teeth
to loosen and they may have to be removed.
Early detection is the key to successful treatment. Your
hygienist will routinely perform a gum disease screening
exam which will include "probing" the depths of the
"pockets" around your teeth. The condition of your gums and
the depth of the pockets will tell the hygienist a lot about
the stage of periodontal disease you may have. Your
treatment will be personalized for you and your level of
infection.
Root Debridement Therapy
A routine cleaning is not enough to treat periodontal
disease. A process called Root Debridement Therapy may be
recommended. This process goes below the gum line and
detoxifies the tooth surface. To minimize any discomfort you
will be given a local anesthesia. The plaque will be
removed, the tooth surface smoothed, and a medicine will be
used to flush out the bacteria that caused the infection. At
the completion of this therapy you will be asked to return
every 3 - 4 months for a special perio-maintenance cleaning.
At this time your hygienist will recheck the condition of
your gums and instruct you on any necessary changes to your
homecare. Together we can maintain long-term control of
periodontal disease and help you keep your teeth healthy and
better looking .
