Periodontal Treatment

Periodontitis is an infectious disease of the supporting structures of the teeth. The milder form, gingivitis, is an inflammation of the gums that is reversible if treated. If gingivitis is not treated, it has the potential to lead to the more aggressive disease, periodontitis. Periodontitis occurs when destructive bacteria attack the gums and bone, leading to bone loss. If the disease is not treated properly, the teeth can eventually become loose, drift, and fall out. We now know that there is a systemic link to periodontal infection. Studies show you are at higher risk for heart disease, diabetes, and low birth weight babies.

Diagnosis of periodontal disease involves measuring the distance between the top of the gums and the top of the bone surrounding each tooth. This is called a pocket. Deep periodontal pockets indicate bone loss and inflammation. Your x-rays are also used to measure the amount of bone loss.

The main cause of periodontitis is plaque (the white sticky stuff that builds up around your teeth). Other factors that make you more susceptible to periodontal disease are:

• Smoking or chewing tobacco
• Systemic diseases like high blood pressure and diabetes
• Certain medications that cause dry mouth
• Fillings or crowns that are defective
• Crooked teeth

Our goal with treatment is to eliminate the active disease and achieve a level of health that can be maintained. We treat periodontal disease initially with root planning and scaling, a procedure in which roots of the teeth are cleaned free of debris and bacteria below the gums. Other treatment options include improving oral hygiene techniques, more frequent recall visits, antibiotic therapy, and even surgery if warranted. We want to provide you the most comprehensive and up to date treatment as possible to keep you at your healthiest.

We have a group of specialists that we depend on for treatment of more complex cases.