Periodontal Disease Management

 

Cause:  The primary cause of peridontal disease (periodontitis) is bacterial plaque that builds on and around your tooth. Over time, dental plaque calcifies and becomes calculus, or tartar. This tartar acts like a splinter underneath the gum tissue and is an irritant. With time, this irritation causes inflammation and bone loss around teeth. Other outside factors such as smoking, diabetes, and genetics may influence the severity and progression of periodontitis.

 

Signs & Symptoms:  Symptoms of periodontal disease include active infections, pain, bleeding gums, bad breath, loose teeth, and eventually tooth loss. 

 

Treatment:  Periodontal disease treatment usually begins with deep cleanings completed under local anesthetic to ensure patient comfort. The periodontist will re-evaluate your condition generally 4-6 weeks after treatment. Occasionaly, additional surgical treatment for periodontal disease may be necessary and details will be discussed with you at the time of re-evaluation.