What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums and the bone. It often doesn't cause pain, but it can lead to tooth loss. In fact, 70% of tooth loss is due to gum disease. The condition begins when tartar buildup on the tooth isn't removed, which irritates the gums, causing them to swell, and the bone to shrink. Once the bone shrinks, it doesn't regrow, which can result in loose teeth.
What are the causes of periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is primarily caused by untreated gingivitis and tartar buildup. The tartar continues to irritate the gums, leading them to swell, and it also irritates the bone, causing it to shrink.
What are the symptoms of periodontal disease?
The symptoms of periodontal disease include bleeding gums, tender gums, gums pulling away from the tooth, exposed roots due to bone shrinkage, bad taste in the mouth due to infection, bad breath, and loose teeth in advanced cases.
What other conditions are connected to periodontal disease?
Besides oral health impacts, periodontal disease also has connections with systemic health issues like diabetes and heart disease. Diabetics are prone to inflammation, and gum infection is an inflammatory condition. There is also a link between periodontal disease and heart attack, as the same bacteria found in the gums of periodontal disease patients have been discovered in the hearts of those who've had a heart attack.
Can periodontal disease be cured?
If detected in its early stages, periodontal disease can be cured. However, advanced or moderate cases can only be managed, not cured, due to severe bone loss. To manage the condition, regular dental check-ups every three months are crucial.
What treatment options are available to fight periodontal disease?
Treatments for periodontal disease include scaling and root planing, which involves removing all the tartar buildup underneath your gums. We numb the area for your comfort during this procedure and apply medication. We also utilize laser treatments to reduce bacteria. If these treatments do not prove effective, we refer patients to a periodontist, a specialist in gum disease.
Are teeth cleaning and periodontal treatment painful?
These procedures can cause discomfort if the patient is not numbed. Therefore, before we conduct any deep cleaning or periodontal treatment, we ensure the patient's comfort by numbing the area.
How can I schedule a dental appointment?
You can schedule a dental appointment by calling our office at (619) 377-7586. Please do not delay in seeking treatment, as early intervention often leads to better outcomes.