What is Periodontal Disease?
Treatment for Periodontal (Gum) Disease
Periodontal disease is caused by harmful bacteria that organize below the gum line, forming hard calculus (tartar) deposits on the teeth and tooth root surfaces. These calculus deposits are bacterial waste; they continually release toxins that irritate the gums and cause inflammation. Unfortunately, calculus cannot be removed by brushing and flossing alone. If left undisturbed, the chronic inflammation will develop into a gum infection, or periodontal disease.
As the infection spreads, the gums pull away from the tooth roots and eventually, the attached tissue and jaw bone that provide support for the teeth are destroyed. Without necessary bone support, affected teeth will become loose and require extraction.
How is Periodontal Disease Treated?
Dr. Chris Anderson and our dental hygienists monitor gum tissue health during your regular cleanings and dental examination appointments. During these visits, they will measure the space between the teeth and the gums or ‘pockets’ to look for signs of the gums pulling away from the teeth (deepening pockets), an indication of periodontal disease. They will also review current dental x-rays to detect calculus deposits below the gum line or periodontal bone loss.
If periodontal disease is diagnosed in the early stages of infection, it can often be treated non-surgically with ‘root planing’. During the root planing procedure, after Dr. Anderson administers local anesthetic, the hygienist uses an ultrasonic ‘scaler’ and hand instruments to remove the hard calculus deposits from the teeth and root surfaces. The infected tissue is removed and the area is irrigated with medicated rinses to promote healing.
Root planing treatment may be performed in a small area (localized periodontitis) or in the case of generalized periodontitis, the entire mouth may be treated in sections or quadrants (upper right, lower right, upper left, lower left). Multiple root planing and scaling treatments may be required to eliminate the periodontal infection.
Home care plays a key role in the healing process following periodontal treatment. Our Georgia Dental Medicine hygienist will assist the patient with a daily oral care routine of brushing and flossing, along with nutrition tips to help lower harmful bacteria levels in the mouth. Many patients find that electric toothbrushes make it easier to keep their teeth clean; flossing aids and oral irrigators may also be beneficial.
Periodontal Maintenance Therapy
Following root planing treatment, it is important to continue periodontal maintenance and dental examination visits every 3-4 months to measure the gums and monitor tissue and bone health. During these visits, Dr. Anderson will check the gums and teeth to evaluate overall dental and periodontal health. The dental hygienist will clean and polish the teeth surfaces to help control bacteria levels and prevent re-infection.
Periodontal Surgery
If periodontal disease has progressed deep into the tissue and bone, periodontal surgery may be needed to access the tooth roots and bone to remove infection. In cases of significant bone or tissue loss, bone or tissue grafting procedures may be recommended to promote new growth, or regeneration.
If Dr. Chris Anderson diagnoses advanced periodontal disease, he may recommend surgical root planing, bone surgery or grafting procedures. In some cases, he may refer the patient to a gum specialist, or Periodontist for evaluation and surgery.
Symptoms of Periodontal Disease
Interestingly, gum disease usually does not hurt until it has advanced. Common signs of periodontal disease include bleeding gums, bad breath, loose teeth, receding gums or a constant bad taste in the mouth.
Early treatment of periodontal disease saves teeth.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or have other dental concerns, please Contact Georgia Dental Medicine to schedule a complete dental examination and periodontal evaluation with Marietta general and restorative dentist Dr. Chris Anderson.