Periodontal (gum) disease is characterized by inflammation caused a bacterial infection. The infection occurs because of plaque and tartar that has amalgamated on the teeth. If this is not addressed by a dental professional, restorative procedures may be necessary.
Fortunately, visiting a dentist near you and maintaining good hygiene can help you avoid this. For more information about periodontal treatment, contact Lincoln Dental.
Periodontal Care: Looking Closer
In most cases, gum disease impacts older individuals, but it can still develop in younger patients. Genetics can play a role alongside hygiene practices. Smoking, diabetes, and other general health conditions are also known to contribute to the development of the disease.
Some notable symptoms include:
Swollen, red, or bleeding gums
Bad breath
Pus near the gum line
Loose feeling teeth
Gum recession
Your teeth don’t fit together properly
Hurts to chew
Tooth loss (in severe cases)
Get in touch with a dentist in Coquitlam, BC, right away if you or a loved one are experiencing any of these issues.
Stages of the Disease
| Gingivitis | Mild Periodontitis | Moderate to Severe Periodontitis |
|---|---|---|
| The earliest stage of the disease | If gingivitis is left untreated, it turns into mild periodontitis | The most serious stages |
| Red and swollen gum tissue | Gums start to recede, creating pockets | Bone deterioration, erosion of the ligaments surrounding the teeth, eventually resulting in tooth loss |
| Treatable if caught early | Cannot be reversed, only managed | Often requires advanced procedures to manage |
What Treatments are Available?
Treatment recommendations will depend on the extent of the disease. Here is what your dentist can recommend:
- Scaling and Root Planing: This is very similar to a traditional cleaning. However, anesthesia is provided to prevent sensitivity and discomfort that can arise due to the gums being tender and sore. Amalgamated bacteria are cleared away and the tooth roots are carefully smoothed out to prevent receding gums. Patients may need to come in for multiple appointments.
- Antibiotics: Your dentist can prescribe you special medication to address infection. It can be oral or topical.
- Dental Grafts: Bone grafts can be to address bone deterioration. This involves taking tissue, either your own, from a donor, or artificial tissue, and adding it to the jaw to increase its volume and provide extra support. The same can be done with gum tissue.
- Dental Implants or Dentures: Restorations like implants or dentures are two great options that can fill in gaps left by teeth that have been extracted or fallen out due to gum disease. Implants are titanium screws embedded in the jaw to strengthen it and prevent deterioration. Dentures can restore several missing teeth or replace an entire arch.
Don’t Wait to Get the Care You Need
For effective periodontal treatment near you, come speak with one of our dental professionals. They can examine your smile and devise a personalized treatment plan.
Don’t hesitate to call 604-552-9500 to book an introductory appointment with us. We look forward to helping you care for your oral health.