What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal, or gum, disease is very common — approximately 80% of Americans have some form of the disease, which ranges from mild to severe. Gum disease is caused by bacteria in your mouth that forms plaque, all of which is natural enough. The problem arises, however, when the plaque isn’t properly removed and builds up, becoming tartar, which is resistant to regular cleaning. This tartar invades your gums, causing them to separate from your teeth, exposing your gums and teeth to decay and further bacteria buildup.
Gum disease typically develops over three stages:
Gingivitis
In its earliest stages, periodontal disease first presents as gingivitis, when plaque and tartar buildup causes inflammation in your gums.
Periodontitis
During this stage, your gums start to separate from your teeth, which creates pockets where more bacteria is able to get in. At this point, the disease affects the connective bones and tissues that hold your teeth in place.
Advanced periodontitis
This final stage is when the disease irreparably damages the connective structures that hold your teeth in place, allowing your teeth to loosen. If the damage is too advanced, Dr. Geller may have to remove severely compromised teeth.
What are the symptoms of periodontal disease?
The most common symptoms of gum disease are:
- Swollen or tender gums
- Gums that bleed easily
- Receding gums
- Halitosis
- Loose or shifting teeth
The severity of these symptoms is a good indication of how far your gum disease has advanced.
How is periodontal disease treated?
Depending on the stage of your gum disease, Dr. Geller turns to several treatments for periodontal disease, including:
Aggressive cleaning
In its early stages, aggressive cleaning, both at home and at Geller Family Dental, goes a long way toward treating gum disease.
Scaling and root planing
Dr. Geller scrapes away the tartar buildup and smoothes the surfaces of your teeth under your gumline to prevent future buildup.
Pocket reduction
Dr. Geller folds back your gums and surgically removes bacteria and planes your teeth. After this process, he pulls your gums back over your teeth.
Bone and gum grafts
In severe cases, Dr. Geller uses bone or gum grafts from other areas in your mouth to repair your damaged gums and teeth.
If you suspect you may have periodontal disease, early intervention is key. Call Geller Family Dental or book an appointment online to get started on a treatment.
