Periodontal disease is an infection of the gum tissue, otherwise known as gum disease. It can cause a variety of oral health problems from receding gums to lost teeth. The stages of periodontal disease range from early to advanced. Once gum disease has progressed to the advanced stages, can it be reversed? Here’s what can be done to treat gum disease.
The Stages of Periodontal Disease
- Gingivitis. The first signs of gum disease are referred to as gingivitis. At this point it is not yet considered to be gum disease. The gums may be red, swollen, and tender. They may bleed when brushing or flossing.
- Early stage gum disease. In the earliest stage of gum disease, the gum tissue begins to pull away from the teeth, creating pockets between the teeth and gums where bacteria can gather.
- Moderate stage gum disease. In the moderate stage of gum disease, the gum tissue recedes further and there is some bone loss in the jaw that may cause the teeth to become loose in their sockets.
- Advanced stage gum disease. In the advanced stage of gum disease the teeth can fall out due to lack of support. Abscesses form on the gums indicating severe infection.
Treatment for Gum Disease
Gum disease can be treated with a deep cleaning of the teeth, called scaling and root planing. Scaling is the process of removing the plaque and calculus from the roots of the teeth under the gums. Root planing smooths out the surface of the roots to encourage the gum tissue to reattach. This is most effective for early or moderate stage gum disease.
Reversing the Damage Caused By Gum Disease
In the advanced stage of gum disease there is significant damage to the gum tissue, jaw bone, and the connective tissues between the teeth and jaw. This damage can be reversed with gum grafting to replace lost gum tissue and bone grafting to regenerate lost bone tissue. Periodontal surgery reshapes the jaw bone to eliminate the pockets between the teeth and jaw where bacteria gathers.
Replacing Lost Teeth
Once teeth come out of the socket it is difficult to save them. In most cases they will need to be replaced with dental prosthetics.
- Bridges. A bridge can replace 1-3 teeth in a row by connecting to the remaining teeth on either side of the gap.
- Dentures. Dentures can replace some or all of the teeth with traditional or implant supported options.
- Dental implants. Dental implants can replace the entire tooth and root. An implant is surgically placed in the jaw where it fuses with the bone to form a solid anchor for a dental prosthetic.
Conclusion
Periodontal disease is not considered to be curable, it can only be managed and kept under control. However, the damage caused by gum disease can be reversed with a variety of periodontal and restorative procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions About Periodontal Disease
Why see a periodontist for gum disease?
Periodontal disease is named for the periodontal tissue, which is what a periodontist specializes in treating. For moderate or advanced stage gum disease, it is best to see a periodontist for the best chance of managing the infection and reversing the damage.
How can I prevent gum disease?
The best way to prevent gum disease is to brush your teeth twice a day, floss once a day, and go to the dentist every 6 months for professional cleanings. It also helps to reduce your sugar intake and manage diabetes.
Schedule an Appointment Today
If you have any of the signs or symptoms of gum disease, don’t wait to seek treatment. The sooner your gum disease is diagnosed and treated, the better your chances of preventing damage. Contact Progressive Periodontics & Implant Dentistry today to learn more and schedule an appointment.