Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease, or simply gum disease, is the single most common cause of tooth loss in adults. This inflammatory disease attacks the gums, bones and other supporting structures of the teeth.

Gum disease is caused by plaque, a colorless film of bacteria that forms Healthy Smile Brought to you by Worcester Dental on the teeth. Plaque mixes with sugars and starches in the diet to form acids and other by-products in the mouth, irritating the gums and causing them to become red, tender and swollen. It also causes the gums to bleed easily. If not removed daily, plaque hardens to form calculus (tarter) around the necks of the teeth.

What Are the Signs?

Gums that bleed when you brush or floss your teeth
Red, swollen or tender gums
Gums that have receded or shrunken away from your teeth
Pus between your teeth when you press your gums with your finger
Pain when chewing
Calculus or tarter buildup
Teeth that seem loose or that change position
Changes in your bite
Changes in the way your partial dentures fit
Bad breath or a chronic bad taste in your mouth
Teeth that are overly sensitive to hot and cold

Diagnosis

A thorough oral examination, including x-rays, is crucial to diagnosing periodontal disease. In most cases, we recommend an in-office exam and tooth cleaning for all adults twice a year. At that time, we may use a special instrument called a periodontal probe to measure the depth of the pocket between the tooth and the gum tissue. The pocket depth measurement, clinical examination and x-rays help us determine the precise location, extent and severity of gum disease.

Treatment

The type of treatment you require depends on how advanced your particular case is. Individualized treatment may include any of the following:

More frequent cleanings. It may take the bacteria at the base of the pocket up to three months to colonize into numbers able to destroy bone. Frequent cleanings can prevent this buildup.
Scaling and root planing. Scaling is removing the calculus deposits from your teeth. Root planing is the smoothing of the root surfaces so that the gum tissue can reattach to the tooth.
Curettage removes the soft tissue lining the periodontal pocket. This helps the gum tissue to heal.
Gingivectomy is the surgical removal of the periodontal pocket to allow easier access for cleaning.
Flap surgery allows us to gain access to the root of the tooth for removal of calculus, plaque and diseased tissue. The gum is then secured back into place.

A Final Word

Each of us is different, and so is our individual ability to resist diseases. Some patients are more susceptible than others to periodontal disease. Fortunately, you don't have to lose your teeth to gum disease. With today's state-of-the-art treatment procedures, you can feel assured that most teeth can be saved.

Good periodontal health starts with you. Here's what you can do to prevent or control gum disease:

Thoroughly brush and floss your teeth every day.
Eat a well-balanced diet, avoiding sticky sweets and junk food.
Examine your mouth routinely for any early signs of gum disease or other oral changes.
Visit us at least twice a year for a thorough cleaning and oral examination.

Periodontal Disease

You may have periodontal disease and not realize it. This disease is the primary cause of the loss of teeth after age 35. If caught in its early stages, however, periodontal disesase can be reversed with proper care.

Healthy Gums and Tooth

First Stages of Periodontal Disease

Advanced Stages of Periodontal Disease