The periodontium is the supporting tissue around the teeth: gums and bone. When one has periodontal disease, that supporting structure is affected. In the earliest stages of periodontal disease, the gum tissue becomes inflamed or infected but the bone has not yet changed. This is called gingivitis. As the disease advances the bone begins to waste away from around the teeth. This is a slow progressive process with little to no discomfort.
Unfortunately, periodontal-related problems are often discovered after they have persisted for an extended period of time. Proper oral hygiene, daily dental care and regular dental cleanings minimize the risk of periodontal disease. The disease ranges from mild to the severe depending on the level of bone that has been lost..
Treatment varies with the condition of each patient and ranges from a simple cleaning to scaling and root planing. With scaling and root planing the accumulated calcified deposits are removed from below the gum line to change the bacterial environment under the gums. It is typically done with local anesthesia in 1 to 4 visits depending on the severity of the condition.
Moderate to advanced periodontal disease can be arrested but it cannot be cured. That is why maintenance cleaning visits every 3 to 4 months are not unusual. Good oral hygiene is imperative to continued health.
Common signs associated with gum disease:
The effects of gum disease can be damaging to your dental health. However, through proper preventive care and oral hygiene, you can avoid problems associated with gum disease. .