Periodontal Disease

Diagnosis

During a checkup, the dentist examines your gums for periodontal problems. An instrument called a periodontal probe is used to gently detect “pockets” between your gums and teeth.

At the very edge of the gumline, gum tissue is not attached to each tooth. Instead, there is a very shallow, v shaped groove called the sulcus between teeth and healthy gums should be three millimeters or less. With periodontal diseases, this tiny space develops into a pocket that collects more plaque bacteria and is difficult to keep clean.

If gum disease is diagnosed, your dentist may provide treatment, or you may be referred to a periodontist, a dentist who specializes in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of periodontal disease. Treating the disease depends on how far the condition has progressed.
When your dentist diagnoses periodontal disease, one of the treatments is scaling and root planning. Depending on the extent of the disease, your dentist may recommend that one or more sections (quadrants) of the mouth be treated. Treatment may require one or more visits.

Prevention

The first line of defense is prevention. This includes a good oral hygiene routine at home. Brushing twice a day with floss will help prevent plaque from accumulating.

Regular dental checkups and cleanings are important in preventing periodontal diseases. If these measures are not taken, the likelihood of diseases increases. In some cases, even with these measures, a certain percentage of patients experience some for m of periodontal disease that must be treated.

Types of Periodontal Disease

Gingivitis – earliest stage of the disease, gums become red, swollen, and may bleed easily. At this stage the disease is still reversible. If not treated, it may lead to periodontitis.

Periodontitis - is more advanced stage of periodontal disease. At this stage, the disease may require more complex treatment to prevent tooth loss. The gums, bone and other structures that support teeth are damaged. Teeth can become loose and fall out, or be removed.

Treatment

When your dentist diagnoses periodontal disease, one of the treatments is scaling and root planning. Depending on the extent of the disease, your dentist may recommend that one or more sections (quadrants) of the mouth be treated. Treatment may require one or more visits.

Scaling is used to remove plaque and tartar beneath the gumline. A local anesthetic may be given to reduce any discomfort. Using a small scaler or ultrasonic cleaner, plaque and tartar are carefully removed down to the bottom of each periodontal pocket. The tooth’s root surfaces are then smoothed or planed to allow the gum tissue to heal and reattach to the tooth.

Once the Scaling and root planning treatment is complete another appointment will be made so the dentist can check how your gums have healed and how the periodontal pockets have decreased. When pockets greater than 3mm persist after root planning and scaling, additional treatment may be needed.

Caring for your teeth and gums after treatment is critical. Practicing good oral hygiene every day will reduce the risk of recurring periodontal disease will not go away by itself. Left untreated, surgery may be needed to save affected teeth. Preventing and treating the disease in the early stages are the best ways to keep your smile healthy.

The Bottom Line

Periodontal Disease is a bacterial infection of the gums, bone, and ligaments that support the teeth. The bacteria are normal inhabitants of the mouth and form a film of dental plaque and calculus, which stick to the teeth. The bacteria produce poisonous toxins, which stimulate the immune response to fight infection.

Periodontal Disease can occur at any age. Over half of all people over the age of 18 have some form of the disease. After age 35, over 75% of all people are affected. Unfortunately, the disease process is usually asymptomatic and painless. The disease can be easily detected during regular dental examinations.

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