Periodontal Therapy & Gum Care

We're all about sharing smiles, from our friendly staff to our comfortable and advanced clinic.

Periodontal Therapy & Gum Care

Alright, coming to see us isn’t just about teeth anymore. The health care community has learned that periodontal (gum) disease is related to many other health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and low birth weight in infants. When you come to visit us, we ensure you and your family are on the right track with your dental health, which can lead to great health overall.

Our hygienists very gently clean the root surfaces to get rid of plaque and calculus (tartar) from gum pockets. With many years of experience and a focus on gentle care, our patients are able to remain comfortable throughout the procedure.

Once your periodontal health has been reestablished, we will keep track of your health and offer the proper maintenance schedule to keep your gums in top shape. The efforts of our team, combined with the good oral care you practice at home, our doctor, hygienists and you can restore your oral health and stop gum disease in its tracks!

Types of Gum Disease

Periodontal (gum) diseases, including gingivitis and periodontitis, are serious infections that, left untreated, can lead to tooth loss. The word periodontal literally means “around the tooth.” Periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the gums and bone supporting the teeth. Periodontal disease can affect one tooth or many teeth. It begins when the bacteria in plaque (the sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth) causes the gums to become inflamed.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the mildest form of periodontal disease. It causes the gums to become red, swollen, and bleed easily. There is usually little or no discomfort at this stage. Gingivitis is often caused by inadequate oral hygiene. Gingivitis is reversible with professional treatment and good oral home care.

Periodontitis

Untreated gingivitis can advance to periodontitis. With time, plaque can spread and grow below the gum line. Toxins produced by the bacteria in plaque irritate the gums. The toxins stimulate a chronic inflammatory response in which the body in essence turns on itself, and the tissues and bone that support the teeth are broken down and destroyed. Gums separate from the teeth, forming pockets (spaces between the teeth and gums) that become infected. As the disease progresses, the pockets deepen and more gum tissue and bone are destroyed. Often, this destructive process has very mild symptoms. Eventually, teeth can become loose and may have to be removed.

There are many forms of periodontitis. The most common ones include the following:

  • Aggressive periodontitis occurs in patients who are otherwise clinically healthy. Common features include rapid attachment loss and bone destruction.
  • Chronic periodontitis results in inflammation within the supporting tissues of the teeth, progressive attachment and bone loss. This is the most frequently occurring form of periodontitis and is characterized by pocket formation and/or recession of the gingiva. It is prevalent in adults, but can occur at any age. Progression of attachment loss usually occurs slowly, but periods of rapid progression can occur.
  • Periodontitis as a manifestation of systemic diseases often begins at a young age. Systemic conditions such as heart disease, respiratory disease, and diabetes are associated with this form of periodontitis.
  • Necrotizing periodontal disease is an infection characterized by necrosis of gingival tissues, periodontal ligament and alveolar bone. These lesions are most commonly observed in individuals with systemic conditions such as HIV infection, malnutrition and immunosuppression.

We look Forward to meeting you

Feel free to contact us to learn more or request an appointment