Periodontal Disease – Gingivitis and Periodontitis
Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection of the gum tissue that surrounds your teeth. This infection destroys the underlying bone, and, left untreated, causes tooth loss. Symptoms include gums that bleed easily when brushing or flossing, and a change in how your teeth fit together when you bite.
The earlier stage of periodontal disease pascagoula ms is gingivitis, which can be reversed by practicing good oral hygiene and visiting the dentist for regular exams and cleanings. Periodontitis is the more serious stage that affects the bone and teeth.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the earliest stage of periodontal disease. It is characterized by inflammation of the gum tissue, with redness and swelling and bleeding during brushing or flossing. It is caused by bacterial infection, and the condition is reversible with a professional dental cleaning and better oral hygiene habits.
A buildup of bacterial plaque on teeth, above and below the gum line, leads to the inflammation. When left untreated, toxins attack and destroy the bone and tissue that support the teeth. This damage leads to pockets that deepen, causing the loss of teeth. Research has also found a link between gum disease and other health issues, including heart disease and diabetes. If not treated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, which is irreversible and can lead to bone loss and tooth loss. Symptoms include a persistent bad breath (halitosis), tender gums, loose teeth and tooth mobility. Pain during meals or when chewing is another symptom.
Periodontitis
When starches and sugars interact with bacteria, plaque forms on teeth. Plaque is sticky and releases acids that attack the tooth enamel, causing cavities. If left untreated, plaque hardens into tartar. A dental hygienist can remove plaque and tartar above and below the gum line with scaling and root planing, a deep cleaning procedure that involves removing diseased tissue and smoothing out rough areas of the tooth roots where bacteria may hide.
Gingivitis is the earliest stage of periodontal disease pascagoula ms and includes red, swollen gums that bleed easily when brushing or flossing. This condition is reversible with proper oral care and regular visits to the dentist for professional cleanings every 6 to 12 months.
In the later stages of periodontitis, gums pull away from teeth and create pockets that fill with bacteria. The immune system tries to fight the bacteria, but the damage can cause bone and tissue to break down. Teeth become loose and eventually fall out.
Bone Loss
Gingivitis and periodontitis are serious gum disease infections that attack the tooth-supporting bone. When bacteria are left in dental plaque on teeth and below the gum line, they cause inflammation, which eats away at bone and soft tissue around your teeth.
Symptoms include bleeding gums when brushing or flossing and bad breath. If untreated, the bacteria enter your bloodstream and travel throughout the body triggering other health problems such as heart disease or diabetes.
A Periodontist is a specialist in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum disease and the supporting structures that hold your teeth in place such as the jawbone and gum tissues. They have undergone several years of additional training in the link between gum disease and overall health. Periodontists can help you stop the progression of gum disease with proper oral hygiene and regular professional cleanings. They also offer restorative procedures such as bone grafting and dental implants. They may recommend a special deep-cleaning procedure called scaling and root planing or the LANAP® laser treatment.
Osseous Surgery
Osseous surgery is needed when non-surgical treatment does not improve symptoms such as red or swollen gums, deep pockets and tooth loss. This surgical procedure reduces or eliminates the pockets that are caused by periodontitis and moves your gum tissue closer to the bone, which will help prevent further damage. It also may be used in combination with other treatments such as bone regeneration techniques.
During the procedure, your periodontist will administer local anesthesia to numb the area before making a small incision in your gums and folding back tissue for access to the root of your teeth and surrounding bone. The bacteria and damaged tissue are removed, and the area is then smoothed and reshaped as necessary. If you require bone grafts, this is performed during the same surgery session.
Your recovery from osseous surgery will depend on your ability to follow the post-op instructions provided by your dentist and periodontist. This includes a healthy diet, limited smoking and alcohol intake, proper oral hygiene practices and regular dental cleanings.
