Periodontitis is the scientific name for gum disease. It begins with red, irritated gums and can progress to the point where teeth become loose and even fall out. Periodontal disease is one of the most common oral health conditions affecting millions of people worldwide.
What is periodontitis? Is it curable? What does treatment for periodontitis entail? Learn more about gum disease and how to protect yourself.
What is Periodontitis?
Periodontitis is a bacterial infection of the supporting tissue of teeth (the “bone and gums”). It is caused by a buildup of plaque, bacteria, on your teeth that eventually spreads to the roots of your teeth under your gums. This infection usually exists without pain but can lead to acute abscesses.
Signs and Symptoms of Periodontitis
Periodontitis is characterized by the following:
- Red, swollen gums. Infection causes the gums to become red and swollen.
- Bleeding gums. Your gums may bleed when you brush or floss. You may notice a little blood when you spit out your toothpaste into the sink.
- Bad breath. The excess bacteria in your mouth that causes periodontal disease also results in bad breath.
- Abscesses. An abscess is a bump on the gum tissue with a white head at the center. One or more abscesses may form due to gum disease.
- Receding gums. As gum disease progresses the gum tissue will pull away from the teeth, leaving more of the roots exposed.
- Sensitive teeth. The uncovered roots of your teeth may be sensitive to cold, heat, and sugar.
- Pain when chewing. You may find that it hurts to chew
- Tooth Shifting. Opening space between teeth and teeth moving out of position
Can Periodontitis Be Cured?
Once gum disease progresses to full blow periodontitis, it may be possible to completely resolve the infection and allow long-term success with proper regular professional and home care. There are various treatments to bring periodontitis under control and to repair the residual damage to your teeth, gums, and jaw.
Treatment and Management of Periodontitis
Treatment for periodontitis depends on how far the disease has progressed. Possibilities may include:
- Scaling and root planing. A common starting place for treating periodontal disease is scaling and root planing, otherwise referred to as a deep cleaning of your teeth. Scaling is the process of removing plaque and calculus from the teeth and roots. Root planing involves buffing the roots until smooth to limit the ability of the bacteria to accumulate.
- Periodontal maintenance. Cleanings may need to be done on a more frequent schedule to maintain periodontal health. Typical schedules range anywhere from every 3 to 6 months dependent on the issues present.
- Pocket reduction surgery. Gum disease causes the jaw bone to pull away from the teeth, creating pockets where bacteria can gather. Pocket reduction surgery reshapes the support to eliminate these pockets.
- Gum and bone grafting. Gum grafting and bone grafting are procedures that replace or regenerate lost tissue due to gum disease.
- Dental prosthetics. Teeth that are lost due to gum disease can be replaced with dental prosthetics such as bridges, dental implants, and dentures.
Frequently Asked Questions About Periodontitis
At what stage can periodontitis be cured?
The earlier treatment is started, the greater the likelihood that the periodontal infection can be resolved and a healthy situation can be maintained
Who treats periodontitis?
Periodontitis can be treated by your general dentist in some cases. However, a periodontist specializes in the treatment of periodontitis, making them uniquely qualified to provide an advanced level of care that can keep the infection under control. The periodontist has years of additional training beyond the general dentist specifically geared towards resolution of the issues of periodontal disease as well as the ability to replace teeth as necessary with dental implants.
Contact Progressive Periodontics & Implant Dentistry
If you have any of the signs of periodontitis, don’t wait to seek treatment. The sooner you get a diagnosis and begin treatment, the greater the chances that it may be cured.
Contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.