Periodontal Treatments

Gum disease, or periodontal disease, afflicts about 80% of American adults. It’s the leading cause of tooth loss for this group, as well. The risk for heart attack, stroke, diabetes complications, low-weight births, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, respiratory problems, and diabetes complications increase in patients with gum disease.

How Gum Disease Starts
Some of the bad bacteria in your mouth produce a sticky, smelly byproduct that we call plaque. If plaque is not removed, as it ages, it hardens into tartar (or calculus) and irritates gum tissue, allowing bacteria to create infection. Bacteria continue to breed and begin to break down the connection between gums and teeth, right at the gum line. Periodontal pockets form, and bacteria infiltrate the area. It’s warm, moist, and dark, so bacteria become prolific in periodontal pockets. Then gum disease really takes off. Inflammation caused by infection gets into the blood stream to create bigger health problems, and all the while, bacteria continue to break down the bond between teeth and gums, so teeth begin to loosen, gums recede, and, at some point, bone tissue starts to decompose and teeth fall out. The majority of adult tooth loss in the United States is a direct result of advanced gum disease, or periodontitis.

Avoiding Gum Disease & Periodontitis
So how can you avoid this dramatic and dangerous chain of events? First, always attend six-month checkups and cleanings. The early signs of gum disease are mild or nonexistent. Some people notice tenderness, redness, swelling, or bleeding when brushing teeth, while others see no preliminary warning signs. Your dentist or hygienist, however, can diagnose gum disease in the earliest stage and help you prevent its advancement. If you have gum disease, a deep cleaning may be the first step toward healing.

Deep Cleaning
Deep cleaning involves two primary procedures: scaling and root planning. We call the process of removing plaque and tarter from below the gum line scaling. Root planning is smoothing rough areas on teeth roots, where plaque and bacteria can build up. We may also place topical antibiotic on infected gum tissue to destroy bacteria.

In advanced cases, treatment by a specialist, a periodontist, may be necessary. Periodontitis can advance to the point when surgery is required for effective treatment. If you need a specialist,

Call our dental office today to schedule your appointment with Dr. Stewart. We give residents of Livonia, Farmington, and Farmington Hills personalized service and patient-focused care for smiles that last.