What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease isn’t something to laugh about and if not taken care of can lead to tooth loss and other health issues. If you’ve noticed bleeding gums, swollen gums, bad breath, tooth mobility or receding gum lines, then you might have periodontal disease.
Periodontal disease usually starts with the gums, but if it goes unchecked it can involve the roots and even the jaw bones. The tooth becomes loose and eventually can lead to decay and extraction. It’s the bacteria in dental plaque that causes periodontal disease. Many times the plaque not only resides on the surface of your teeth but can also be deposited beneath the gums. Periodontal disease has been linked to other health problems as well including heart disease, stroke, diabetes and respiratory disease.
A standard teeth cleaning may sound like a mundane thing, but it serves an important purpose. In addition to cleaning your teeth and giving your mouth that fresh feeling, it allows the dentist to see your teeth. There are many periodontal problems that people either don’t know about or ignore until it becomes an emergency. These problems only hasten with age. If a dentist can see your teeth and gums, then he can see all the problems as they form and have them corrected.
Diagnosing Periodontal Disease
Oral Examination
Our dentist will begin by conducting a thorough oral examination. They will visually inspect your teeth, gums, and other oral tissues, looking for signs of inflammation, redness, swelling, or bleeding.
Probing and Measuring Pocket Depths
To assess the health of the gums and measure the severity of periodontal disease, we will use a periodontal probe. This small, calibrated instrument is gently inserted into the space between the gum and tooth (the gum pocket) to measure the pocket depth. Healthy pockets usually measure between 1-3 millimeters, while deeper pockets may indicate gum disease.
X-rays
Dental X-rays, such as bitewing or panoramic radiographs, are commonly used to evaluate the health of the teeth and underlying bone. X-rays can reveal bone loss, detect infections, and identify any abnormalities that may contribute to periodontal disease.
Additional Diagnostic Tests
In some cases, the dental professional may recommend additional tests to gather more information about the condition. These tests may include:
- Dental Plaque and Bacterial Analysis: Swabs or samples may be taken to analyze the types and amounts of bacteria present in the mouth, helping to determine the specific bacterial cause of the infection.
- Genetic Testing: Genetic testing can provide insights into an individual's susceptibility to periodontal disease and their response to treatment. It can help identify genetic markers associated with increased risk or severity of the disease.
- Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT): CBCT scans provide 3D images of the teeth, bone, and surrounding structures, allowing for a detailed evaluation of the extent of bone loss and the condition of the periodontal tissues.
Diagnosis and Classification
Based on the findings from the oral examination, probing depths, X-rays, and any additional tests, your dentist will diagnose and classify the stage and severity of the periodontal disease. Common classifications include gingivitis, mild, moderate, or severe periodontitis.
Treatment Planning
After the diagnosis, your dentist will discuss the treatment options suitable for your specific case. They will consider the severity of the disease, the extent of damage, and other factors to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Periodontal Treatment Options
Scaling and Root Planing
This non-surgical procedure is typically the first line of treatment for periodontal disease. It is used to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth and beneath the gumline. Scaling and root planing are necessary when there is a buildup of plaque and tartar, causing gum inflammation and the formation of gum pockets.
Antibiotic Therapy
Antibiotics, either taken orally or applied topically, may be prescribed to control bacterial infection and reduce inflammation in cases where periodontal disease has progressed. Antibiotics can be necessary when there is evidence of widespread infection or if there are specific bacteria strains causing the gum disease.
Dental Cleanings (Prophylaxis)
Regular dental cleanings are essential for maintaining oral health and preventing the progression of periodontal disease. They help remove plaque and tartar buildup that cannot be effectively addressed through at-home oral hygiene practices alone. Dental cleanings are necessary for routine maintenance and prevention of further gum disease development.
Flap Surgery (Pocket Reduction Surgery)
Flap surgery becomes necessary when non-surgical treatments like scaling and root planing do not effectively eliminate deep gum pockets. This surgical procedure involves lifting the gum tissue to access and clean the tooth roots, reducing pocket depth, and promoting gum reattachment. Flap surgery is needed when there is significant gum pocketing and the presence of advanced periodontal disease.
Soft Tissue Grafts
Soft tissue grafts may be required when there is gum recession, which exposes the tooth roots. Gum recession can lead to increased tooth sensitivity, root decay, and compromised aesthetics. The grafting procedure involves taking tissue from another area of the mouth or using synthetic material to cover the exposed roots and restore gum tissue. Soft tissue grafts are necessary when gum recession has occurred.
Bone Grafts
Bone grafts are necessary when periodontal disease has resulted in bone loss around the teeth. This procedure involves placing synthetic or natural bone graft material in the affected area to stimulate the regrowth of bone and promote stability. Bone grafts are needed to rebuild the bone support that has been lost due to advanced periodontal disease.
Guided Tissue Regeneration
Guided tissue regeneration is utilized when there is a need to regrow lost bone and tissue around the teeth. It involves the placement of a specialized membrane between the gum tissue and bone to prevent the growth of unwanted tissue and encourage the growth of new bone and gum tissue. This procedure is necessary in cases where there is significant bone and tissue loss.
Laser Therapy
Laser therapy may be used as an adjunct to scaling and root planing to remove bacteria and infected tissue. It can help promote healing and reduce pocket depth. Laser therapy may be recommended for individuals with moderate to severe periodontal disease who would benefit from its precision and effectiveness in targeting infected areas.
Dental Crown Lengthening
Dental crown lengthening is a surgical procedure that reshapes the gum line to expose more of the tooth structure. It may be necessary when there is insufficient tooth structure available for the placement of restorations or dental crowns. Crown lengthening ensures proper tooth restoration and functional biting surfaces.
Occlusal Adjustments
Occlusal adjustments involve making changes to the biting surfaces of the teeth to alleviate excessive forces. This treatment may be necessary when there are bite discrepancies or misaligned teeth that contribute to gum inflammation and periodontal disease. Adjusting the bite can help distribute forces evenly and reduce stress on the supporting structures of the teeth.
Best Dental Cleaning LaSalle, Ottawa, Spring Valley & Surrounding IL Valley Areas
