Gingivitis and PERIODONTAL DISEASE

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Plaque is a sticky film of food debris, bacteria, and saliva.  If plaque is not removed, it turns into calculus (tartar).  When plaque and calculus are not removed, they begin to destroy the gums and bone.  Dentists measure the space between the gums and the tooth with a small scale (periodontal probe) and the depth of sulcus (pocket reading) usually determines the severity of the disease process.

Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums (Gingiva) and if characterized by redness, swelling and bleeding. Gingivitis a superficial form of gum disease that usually does not involve loss of the supporting bone, shallow pocket readings and almost no bone loss as seen on radiographs.

Periodontal (meaning around the tooth) disease is a deeper set form of gum disease that attacks the gums as well as the bone that support the teeth. It is also characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums along with bone loss as seen on the radiograph.

Periodontal Disease varies in its severity depending on the systemic condition of the patient and the degree of pocket depth measurements and bone loss associated with it.

Important Facts about Periodontal Disease:

• 80% of the population has periodontal disease and don’t know it. Most people are not aware of it because the disease is usually painless in the early stages. It the number one reason for tooth loss.
• There is a link between periodontal disease and other diseases such as, stroke, bacterial pneumonia, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and increased risk during pregnancy.  
• Smoking significantly increases the risk of periodontal disease.
• Good oral hygiene, a balanced diet, and regular dental visits can help reduce your risk of developing periodontal disease.

Signs and symptoms of periodontal disease:

• Bleeding gums 
• Loose teeth
• New spacing between teeth or migration of the teeth
• Persistent bad breath 
• Pus around the teeth and gums 
• Receding gums or Loss of gum around a tooth.
• Red and puffy gums 
• Tenderness or Discomfort and Gum Sensitivity 

Treatment of Gingivitis and Periodontal Disease: 

Early stages of gingivitis with no damage to the bone usually requires two regular cleanings a year. 

Periodontal Disease on the other hand is treated with periodontal (deep) cleanings, also called scaling and root planning treatment.  It is usually done one or two quadrants of the mouth at a time while the area is numb.  This procedure involves the removal of plaque, tartar and bacterial toxins are removed from above and below the gum line. This procedure helps gum tissue to heal and pockets to shrink.

Laser treatment of Periodontal Pockets:  

At Az Family Dentistry the deep cleanings are coupled with laser treatment using the Gemini dual-wavelength soft tissue diode laser of the periodontal pockets. Some advantages of Laser treatment of Periodontal pockets are:

• Laser procedures are more precise.
• Reduces symptoms and healing times.
• Reduces, pain, bleeding, and swelling. 
• Control bleeding during surgery.
• Reduces the number of bacteria in both diseased gum tissue and in tooth cavities.
• Anesthesia is less likely to be needed.

If the pockets do not heal after scaling and root planning, periodontal surgery may be needed to reduce pocket depths, making teeth easier to clean.  Your dentist may also recommend that you see a Periodontist (gum specialist) for further care.

Care after Periodontal Therapy:

After Periodontal therapy is completed, it is very important that the patient returns for non-surgical maintenance visits every 3 months. This is important to reduce the chances of the bacteria from recolonizing the sulcus thereby prevent the disease process from getting worse thereby reducing the need for advanced care from a Periodontist (Gum specialist).