Periodontal disease is a form of gum infection that causes the inflammation of the soft tissues around your teeth. These infections are caused by bacteria that grow on the teeth near the gum line due to poor brushing and flossing practices. Periodontal disease is known as gingivitis during its earliest stages, which is typically characterized by sore, swollen gums that may bleed easily.
Pinnacle Periodontics & Dental Implants provides periodontal disease treatments in Matthews near Charlotte, Indian Trail, Monroe, Carmel, and Ballantyne to help restore your oral health, protect your jawbone from eroding, and prevent tooth loss.
It’s important you visit your periodontist if you’re experiencing the symptoms of gum disease. When left untreated, an advanced periodontal disease may set in causing pain, receding gums and pockets between the gums and teeth. Known as periodontitis, this type of periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss among American adults – even more so than decay.
What Are the Symptoms of Periodontal Disease?
The symptoms of gum disease are sometimes hard to spot; however, the following warning signs can help you determine when to see your periodontist:
- Red or purple swollen gums
- Bleeding when you brush your teeth
- Pain when chewing
- Bad breath (halitosis) or a bad taste in your mouth that doesn’t go away
- Sensitive teeth
- Pain or tender gums (healthy gums should be pink and firm)
- Receding gums
- Pus between your teeth
- Loose teeth
- Deep pockets between the teeth and gums
- Changes in the way the teeth fits together when you bite
- Spaces between your teeth
These symptoms are not generic. In some people, gum disease may only affect certain teeth, such as the molars. Our periodontist in Matthews, Dr. Eric D’Silva is in the best position to tell you for sure that you have gum disease. Visit our periodontics’ office today to learn more about our periodontal disease treatment.
Periodontal Disease Treatment in Matthews near Charlotte, Indian Trail, Monroe, Carmel and Ballantyne
When treating periodontal diseases, our periodontist in Matthews, Dr. D’Silva uses nonsurgical treatments for mild gum diseases and surgical treatments for advanced periodontitis.
Nonsurgical Treatments
Dr. D’Silva can treat mild periodontitis without surgery, using procedures such as:
- Root Planing: Dr. D’Silva uses root planing to smoothen the surface of the tooth’s root, making it difficult for plaque and bacteria to gather under the gums. Root planning also helps your gum reattach to your teeth.
- Scaling: Teeth scaling is similar to dental cleaning, only that it’s a more deeper cleaning that extends under the gums. Our periodontist will use a laser to remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria from your teeth.
- Antibiotics: Dr. D’Silva may prescribe some antibiotic pills, gels or mouth rinses to get rid of the bacteria causing the infection.
Surgical Treatments
For advanced periodontitis, our Matthews periodontist may recommend surgical treatments to help heal the condition. Common surgical periodontal surgical treatments include:
- Bone Grafting: When periodontitis erodes the bone around your teeth, a dental bone graft may be necessary. Dr. D’Silva will implant pieces of your bone or artificial materials to the area where the bone has worn away, helping to hold your teeth in place. Following bone grafting, your jawbone will begin to regrow in that area in time.
- Flap Surgery: This procedure helps remove plaque that’s deeply stationed under your gums. During the treatment, our periodontist in Matthews, Dr. D’Silva will make small cuts in your gum to create a flap. Bacteria, plaque, and tartar that’s under your gums are cleaned out and the rough spots on the bone are smoothened. The incision is closed with stitches and your gum goes back in place.
- Soft Tissue Grafts: Our periodontist will place gum grafts over areas where your gums have receded. Afterward, a small piece of tissue is extracted from the roof of your mouth and attached to the open tooth roots to cover them.
Did You Know?
Periodontal disease has been associated with a number of risk factors aside from poor brushing and flossing habits. In fact, the risk of developing gingivitis or periodontitis increases if you have a systemic disease like heart disease, as well as conditions like diabetes and AIDS.
Other factors that may contribute to the development of periodontal disease include stress, genetics, crowded teeth, faulty dental restorations, and the use of certain medications that may cause dry mouth. According to the Centers for Disease Control, women are also at an increased risk for periodontal disease when they are undergoing hormonal changes, such as with menopause or pregnancy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have periodontal disease?
You may have gingivitis or periodontitis if you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above. However, the only way of knowing for sure whether you have a periodontal disease is via a professional dental exam. Keep in mind that you may have periodontal disease and be asymptomatic; so be sure to visit your periodontist for a thorough exam and cleaning at least twice per year.
What will my periodontist do if I am diagnosed with periodontal disease?
Your treatment will depend on whether you are diagnosed with gingivitis or periodontitis. Minor cases of periodontal disease are usually treated with a thorough cleaning and topical antibiotic. If, however, your periodontal tissues have begun to deteriorate and your gums have begun pulling away from your teeth, you may require a more complex treatment, such as flap surgery or bone and gum grafting.
Will I need to do anything to prevent periodontal disease from returning?
Yes. Periodontal disease can reoccur – especially if you do not make any changes to your brushing and flossing habits. By brushing after every meal, flossing once daily, avoiding tobacco, and getting frequent professional dental cleanings, you could help prevent periodontal disease from returning in the future.
