Gum Disease Treatment

SYMPTOMS OF PERIODONTAL DISEASE

Gum disease is a condition in which bacteria build up below the gums causes bone loss around the teeth. Often the condition is not painful, however if left untreated can cause gum infections and tooth loss.

Here are a few things to look out for that might be the first warning signs of a problem:

Excessive bleeding from the gums while brushing or flossing
Gums that are tender and/or swollen
Bad breath that will not go away
Gums that start to recede or separate from the tooth
A change in the way the top and bottom teeth fit together
Teeth start feeling loose for no other obvious reason

Stages of Gum Disease

Gingivitis. The symptoms are not always easy to spot, but some bleeding and swelling of the gums might mean you have gingivitis. The good news is gingivitis does not affect the bone or nearby tissue and it is reversible if treated.

Periodontitis. If gingivitis is not treated, however, it can become periodontitis. Periodontitis is an infection that damages the soft tissue around the teeth. Without treatment periodontitis will destroy the bone that supports the teeth.

Advanced Periodontitis. At this advanced stage, the gum infection is so severe that the structural integrity of the teeth is compromised. Teeth may be loose or painful when functioning.

TREATMENT OF PERIODONTAL DISEASE

In the early stages, gum disease can be treated in our office by Dr. Schmitt, who will suggest a procedure known as scaling and root planing. Scaling and root planing involves using an ultrasonic scaler to remove plaque, tartar and debris above and below the gum line. Disrupting the bacteria colonies will reduce gum inflammation, bleeding and reduce the progression of the disease.