Periodontics is a specialty of dentistry that focuses on treating periodontal (gum) disease. Periodontal disease is an inflammatory disease that damages the gum tissue and the structures surrounding the teeth. Once you’re diagnosed with periodontal disease, your dentist will recommend periodontic treatment, to help prevent further damage and restore your oral health.
Periodontal disease – also called periodontitis or gum disease – is a gum infection that damages the gum tissue (gingiva). The disease will also destroy the ligaments and bone that support your teeth as it progresses. Eventually, bone loss will contribute to tooth mobility and tooth loss. Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss.
Gum disease is preventable with good oral hygiene practices at home, regular dental check-ups, and professional cleanings. Some patients are more prone to developing gum disease due to genetic factors. This isn’t to say they are destined to end up with the disease. The disease is still preventable with good home care practices and dental cleanings.
The earliest stage of gum disease, gingivitis, is reversible. Once the disease has progressed beyond this stage, it is no longer reversible. It is, however, arrestable – as long as you seek periodontal treatment as quickly as possible.
Symptoms of gum disease include:
Periodontal disease – also called periodontitis or gum disease – is a gum infection that damages the gum tissue (gingiva). The disease will also destroy the ligaments and bone that support your teeth as it progresses. Eventually, bone loss will contribute to tooth mobility and tooth loss. Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss.
Gum disease is preventable with good oral hygiene practices at home, regular dental check-ups, and professional cleanings. Some patients are more prone to developing gum disease due to genetic factors. This isn’t to say they are destined to end up with the disease. The disease is still preventable with good home care practices and dental cleanings.
The earliest stage of gum disease, gingivitis, is reversible. Once the disease has progressed beyond this stage, it is no longer reversible. It is, however, arrestable – as long as you seek periodontal treatment as quickly as possible.
Symptoms of gum disease include:
If you develop gum disease, you’ll need periodontal treatment to prevent the progression of the disease. Taking steps to treat your gum disease is necessary if you want to save your teeth. Here are a few treatment options.
Scaling and root planing are similar to a professional teeth cleaning, but there are some key differences.
First, your hygienist will numb your gum tissue with a local anesthetic. Then, they’ll clean the base of your gum pockets. Patients with periodontal disease have gum pockets with a depth of four millimeters or higher. Patients can’t reach the base of the pockets with a toothbrush or floss.
The hygienist will clean the root surfaces and make sure they’re smooth to help prevent further plaque and tartar build-up and encourage gum tissue healing and pocket-depth reduction.
Gum disease is caused by oral bacteria attacking the gum tissue. Oral antibiotics can clear up the “bad bacteria” so your gum tissue has a chance to heal.
In some cases, your Providence, RI dentist or hygienist may also place topic antibiotic ointment into the gum pockets – particularly those with an abscess or exudate.
If the gum disease is so progressed that the gum pockets don’t respond to scaling and root planing, your dentist may recommend gum surgery. Periodontal surgery is also known as pocket reduction surgery. Removing some of the damaged gum tissue can reduce gum pocket depths so that it’s easy to keep the pockets clean with regular brushing and flossing.
Bone grafting and other regenerative procedures may help restore lost bone and gingival tissue.
Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist twice a year for cleanings are the best things you can do for your oral health. Even if you are genetically predisposed to develop gum disease, it doesn’t mean you’ll get it – as long as you implement preventative practices. If you’re concerned about your gum health, we’ll help you create a plan of action that can help prevent periodontal disease and your need for periodontics in Providence, RI.
Do your gums bleed when you brush or floss? You might have gum disease.
Contact us to schedule your periodontal evaluation today!
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