How Do I Treat My Periodontitis Dental Health

Periodontitis is gum disease.  It is an infection that affects the dental health of gum tissues and bone that support the teeth.  Periodontitis is often painless and sneaky, patients may not be aware that they have dental health problem until the gum tissues and the supporting bone are seriously damaged.   

The early stage of gum disease is gingivitis and it is reversible with professional cleanings at the dentist’s office and regular brushing and flossing.  If gingivitis is left untreated, it may progress into a more serious dental health condition called periodontitis and it may require more complex treatment to prevent bone loss and tooth loss.

Periodontitis is caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth.  Plaque produces harmful toxins that can irritate and inflame the gums.  Inflamed gums pull away from the teeth and form spaces called pockets and they trap plaque which cannot be removed with regular brushing.  Gingivitis is the early stage of periodontitis and it is reversible. Periodontitis is the advance gum disease with bone loss.

Periodontitis is diagnosed by the dentist during a routine, dental checkup.  The dentist uses an instrument called periodontal probe to measure the depth of the spaces between the teeth and gum tissues. Periodontal pockets measured at 3mm (millimeters) or less is considered healthy.  Periodontal pockets measured greater than 3mm (millimeters) can be an indication of periodontal disease is present.

Gingivitis

·       Early stage of gum disease

·       Gum tissues are red, appear swollen, bleed easily

·       No damage has been done to the bone (no bone loss)

·       Reversible to healthy gums

·       Professional cleanings at the dentist’s office

·       Regular brushing and flossing daily

Periodontitis

·       Gum infection caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria

·       Plaque causes destruction of gum tissues & supporting bone of the teeth

·       Diagnosed by the dentist

·       X-rays show bone loss

·       

     A July 2015 study in the Journal of the American Dental Association (ADA) finds that 47.2% of adults over 30 is affected by Chronic periodontitis in US

·       Signs & symptoms:

-gums that bleed easily

-red, swollen, tender gums

-gums pulled away from the teeth and form pockets depths more than 3mm

-persistent bad breath or bad taste

-any change in the way the teeth fit together (bite/occlusion)

-visible pus surrounding the teeth and gums

-loose/separating teeth

Treatment of Periodontitis

Treatment methods depend on the type and severity of the disease

1.      Non-surgical treatment:  Scaling & Root Planing (deep cleaning)

·       scaling removes plaque and tartar above and below the gumline

·       root planing smoothes the tooth root and helps the gums reattach to the tooth

·       may take several visits to be completed

·       may require anesthetics

·       may experience pain for several days, teeth may be sensitive for up to a week

·       gums may be swollen and feel tender and bleed for a few days

·       medications  placed directly in the periodontal pocket after the scaling & root planing to help control infection and pain, or to aid healing

·       patient is scheduled to come back within a few weeks to measure the pocket depths and check how the gums have healed. 

·       More frequent dental checkups and cleanings to ensure there is improvement of your dental health

·       periodontal maintenance is recommended every 3 month

2.      Surgical treatment

·       Pocket Reduction Procedure/flap surgery-the dentist or periodontist can remove the infectious bacteria and smooth the areas of damaged bone, allowing the gum tissues to reattach to healthy bone

·       Gum Grafts-the dentist or periodontist can take gum tissues from the palate or from other parts of the mouth and graft over the exposed root of the tooth due to gum recession.

·       Bone Grafts-the dentist or periodontist can use natural or synthetic bone to graft over the area of bone loss. This procedure helps to regrow bone and gum tissues.

Recommendations to prevent gum disease:

·       Proper brushing 2 times per day and flossing daily

·       Use antibacterial toothpaste and mouth wash to kill bacteria

·       Visit your dentist at least 2 times per year or more for cleanings and checkups

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), these are some factors that may increase the risk of developing gum disease:

·       Poor dental health, poor oral hygiene

·       Smoking or chewing tobacco

·       Genetics

·       Crooked teeth that are hard to keep clean

·       Pregnancy

·       Diabetes

·       Medications: steroids, certain types of anti-epilepsy drugs, cancer therapy drugs, oral contraceptives

If you notice any signs and symptoms of gingivitis or periodontal disease, please contact Glendora Dentist, Dr. Anna Lee for a dental checkup.  You don’t have to lose teeth to periodontal disease. Dr. Anna Lee can help to save your teeth.                                Good dental health is achievable!  Call and schedule a dental visit with Dr. Anna Lee at 626-335-5114 or email drannalee1@gmail.com