Periodontal means "around the tooth." Periodontal disease, or "gum disease," refers to infection of the gums and bone "around the tooth." Periodontal disease progresses as the sulcus (pocket or space) between the tooth and gums gets filled with "bad" bacteria, plaque, and tartar, causing irritation and inflammation to the gingiva (gums). When these irritants remain in the pocket space, they can cause destructive damage to the teeth, gums, and eventually the bone that supports the teeth. This process is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.
It is extremely important to note that gum disease often does not hurt. Some signs/symptoms of periodontal disease include:
Periodontal treatment methods depend upon the type and severity of your disease. Your dentist and dental hygienist will evaluate for periodontal disease and recommend appropriate treatment.
There are 2 basic categories of periodontal treatments: active treatment and maintenance.
Patients in active treatment demonstrate active periodontal disease. Active treatment can be divided into non-surgical and surgical treatment:
Non-Surgical Treatment
Surgical Treatment
It only takes 24 hours for plaque that is not removed from your teeth to turn into calculus (tartar). Good home hygiene helps control tartar, but those hard to reach areas will always need professional treatment.
Once your periodontal treatment is completed, your dentist and dental hygienist will recommend regular maintenance cleanings usually 2-4 times per year. These appointments will include:
Periodontal disease is diagnosed by your dentist or dental hygienist during a periodontal exam. This type of exam should always be a part of your regular dental checkup.
During this visit, a periodontal probe (small measuring instrument) is gently used to measure the sulcus (pocket or space) between the tooth and the gums. The depth of a healthy sulcus measures 3mm or less and does not bleed. The periodontal probe measurements >3mm are indicators of periodontal disease. As disease progresses (and bone is lost), these periodontal pockets usually get deeper.
To diagnose your periodontal status, your dental team will use: pocket depths, amount of bleeding, inflammation, tooth mobility, bone loss as measured on dental X-rays.
Bleeding (with gentle brushing, flossing) or red/inflamed gums are often the first signs of gingivitis. Remember that gingivitis is reversible - meaning that we can treat this with professional cleanings and improved home hygiene regimen.
Of course, you should visit our office regularly for checkups including a professional cleaning and a thorough exam. However, remember that oral health starts at home - most patients are usually in the office for cleanings 2-4 times per year, but every day is an opportunity to maintain your brush/floss/rinse home hygiene routine to avoid harmful plaque accumulation.
There are genetic and environmental factors involved in the onset of gum disease, and in many cases the risk of developing periodontitis can be significantly lowered by taking preventative measures.
Here are some of the most common causes of gum disease:
Research studies have shown that there is a strong association between periodontal disease and other chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, pregnancy complications, and respiratory disease. Periodontal disease is characterized by chronic inflammation of the gum tissue, periodontal infection below the gum line and a presence of disease-causing bacteria in the oral region. Halting the progression of periodontal disease and maintaining excellent standards of oral hygiene will not only reduce the risk of gum disease and bone loss, but also reduce the chances of developing other serious illnesses.
Common cofactors associated with periodontal disease: