Periodontal disease, also called gum disease, is an infection in the gums. Dentists can treat some related damage and prevent the disease from worsening when they catch and address symptoms early.
If you don’t manage your oral health and have early onset and rapid progression of this disease, you may develop periodontitis, which is incurable. Read on to learn more about the warning signs of periodontal disease and how you can treat this condition.
Understanding Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is an infection that damages the soft tissue of your mouth. The condition results from built-up plaque and bacteria, usually due to a lack of good oral hygiene.
As plaque builds up on the teeth, it hardens, and tartar forms. Once it has reached this point, you must have dental treatment because brushing and flossing will no longer be effective on tartar.
Symptoms of periodontal disease include:
- Chronic bad breath
- Red and swollen gums
- Tender and bleeding gums
- Loose teeth
- Sensitive teeth
- Receding gums
Some patients with periodontal disease also experience pain when they are chewing food.
Periodontal Disease Diagnosis
Periodontal disease must be diagnosed by a licensed dentist. They will look for different signs to determine the extent of your condition and review your medical history to learn if other factors could increase your risk for gum disease.
Some medications, smoking, hormones, and conditions such as HIV/AIDS can contribute to the development of gum disease.
Next, your dentist will examine your oral cavity for signs of the disease. Red, bleeding gums are one of the most common indicators of periodontal disease. Your dentist will measure the depth of each tooth pocket. Deep pockets can also be a sign of an infection. X-rays may be required to look further into the extent of the disease.
Treatment for Periodontal Disease
Treatment for this oral infection can vary between patients. The level of the disease will determine the best option for you. If your condition has been caught early, you may benefit from non-surgical treatment, such as:
- Scaling to remove tartar and bacteria below the gumline
- Root planing to smooth root surfaces to prevent any additional buildup
- Antibiotics to help control the infection
Advanced cases of periodontal disease may require more in-depth procedures. Sometimes surgical treatment may be the best course of action.
Surgical procedures include:
- Flap surgery for a more extensive scaling and root planing
- Soft tissue graft to replace areas of recession
- Bone grafting to prevent tooth loss
- Guided tissue regeneration to allow the bone to regrow
- Tissue-stimulating proteins to help healthy bone and tissues grow
While these are considered surgical procedures, dentists can perform them in the dental office under a local anesthetic.
Can Periodontal Disease Be Cured?
Gingivitis, the earliest stage of periodontal disease, is reversible. Dentists can catch this condition during your routine dental exams and cure it with simple treatments.
However, if the disease is left unaddressed, it will progress to periodontitis, which cannot be cured.
If you are concerned about the appearance of your gum tissue, get examined by a dentist as soon as possible. They can get you started with a treatment plan that will restore your mouth to a healthy state and eliminate any pain.
Get Periodontal Help from Payam Cohen DDS PC
If you suspect you have periodontal disease or have other dental issues you wish to discuss, call our team at Payam Cohen DDS, PC. We are in Forest Hills, NY, and we’re ready to provide your family with dental care.
Our team is proud to provide the area with services in our new state-of-the-art facility and answer any questions you may have.