Periodontal disease, which you probably know of as gum disease, is a large and growing problem throughout the United States. It is one of the primary dental problems we treat here at Dentist of Gardena. Periodontal disease is so common, in fact, that most adults either have it, have had it, or will get it at some point in their lives.
This is doubly troublesome given that periodontal disease is completely preventable. These are the most common questions our staff gets about periodontal disease here in our Gardena office along with their answers. If you have any other questions, please contact us and we’ll be happy to answer them.
Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums caused by a buildup of bacteria on the teeth. This bacteria is called plaque. When it’s not removed in a timely fashion, it hardens into tartar that can migrate below the gum line and infect the gums.
In the advanced stages of the disease, the infection can spread to the bone and other tissues. Periodontal disease is also called gum disease.
Periodontal disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss. As the disease advances, the gums pull away from the teeth, causing them to gradually loosen and eventually need removal. Other bone loss can also occur.
In addition, the bacteria that causes periodontal disease can spread beyond the mouth and cause serious health conditions such as pneumonia, sinus infections, cardiovascular problems, and even diabetes.
The symptoms of gum disease include red and inflamed gums, bad breath (halitosis), gums that have pulled away from teeth (gum recession), abscesses and pus in the mouth, oral pain, difficulty eating or talking, and teeth that are loose or separating from one another.
Periodontal disease is classified into four stages based on the advancement of the disease.
This is the earliest stage of gum disease. In this stage, only the gums are involved. The gums become infected and inflamed. They may become red, hurt, and bleed easily. At this stage, periodontal disease can be reversed.
This stage is reached when the infection spreads beyond the gums into the tissues that connect the teeth to the bones. Future tooth loss becomes possible.
This stage involves significant bone and tissue loss. Tooth loss becomes probable, and bacteria can enter the bloodstream.
This is the most advanced stage of periodontal disease and usually involves significant loss of teeth, bones, and tissues. The gums may ooze pus. Eating, drinking, and smiling become painful. Surgery is usually required. Other diseases resulting from the bacteria entering the bloodstream become more likely.
Periodontal disease is preventable with good oral hygiene and regular cleanings from your provider in our Gardena office. If you follow a good oral hygiene routine and get your cleanings twice a year, you are unlikely to develop periodontal disease. Be sure to brush twice per day, floss once a day, and use an antiseptic mouthwash to minimize your chances of developing periodontal disease.
Unfortunately, yes. Some people are more prone to developing gum disease because of inheritance or lifestyle factors. Smokers, for example, are much more likely to develop periodontal disease than nonsmokers. Some medications and health conditions also increase your likelihood of developing gum disease.
If you’re worried about having an increased risk of developing periodontal disease, speak with your provider the next time you come into the Gardena office for a cleaning. You may need to alter your oral hygiene routine or increase the number of cleanings you get each year to lower your risk.
Treatment for periodontal diseases depends on the extent of the disease and how far it has advanced. Gingivitis, the earliest stage, can usually be successfully treated with a deep cleaning, also called scaling and root planing. This type of cleaning involves numbing your mouth and cleaning the teeth below the gum line to remove the bacteria.
More advanced stages require more involved treatment in addition to scaling and root planing. Soft tissue grafting is one common treatment for gum recession, for example. Teeth extractions become not optional but necessary when the disease becomes advanced.
The first thing you need to do is come to our Gardena office for a consultation. We will conduct a complete evaluation of your oral health and let you know if you have any periodontal disease. If not, we will recommend ways for you to prevent it. If you do have the disease, we will discuss your treatment options and create a customized treatment plan just for you.
Preventing periodontal disease is very inexpensive. All you need to do is purchase mouthwash, floss, toothbrushes, and toothpaste and use them regularly. You also need to get your twice-yearly professional cleanings. Dental cleanings are normally covered mostly or wholly by dental insurance.
The cost of treating periodontal disease itself varies greatly depending on the nature of the infection and how advanced it is. It may range from a few hundred dollars for gingivitis to thousands of dollars for advanced periodontal disease. The cost also depends on how much is covered by your dental insurance.
We’re happy to offer payment plans and financing options here at Dentist of Gardena if you need them. We want to ensure that you get the care you need today instead of delaying it until tomorrow.
Dentist of Gardena offers an evaluation of and treatment for every stage of periodontal disease right here in our Gardena office. We also offer preventative, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry procedures for our patients in a modern, innovative office using the latest dental technology. We offer flexible appointments to help our patients in Gardena get the dental care they deserve.
Call (424) 321-7470 today and make an appointment for a consultation with Dentist of Gardena!