Periodontics
Don't let periodontal disease happen to you!
Periodontics involve the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease affects the structures that support the teeth with inflammation. Gingivitis, the early stage of the disease, is identified by the swelling of gums and a red appearance from inflammation. The disease can progress to periodontitis, where the gums begin receding from the teeth. This can cause bone loss, and the eventually loosening and loss of teeth. Several factors influence the disease's severity, including but not limited to: genetics, tobacco use, poor oral hygiene, age, diet, dental history and medications. Research suggest that periodontal disease is correlated to heart disease, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Dentists will normally diagnose this disease visually and with a periodontal probe. Treatments involve scaling, root planing and root surface debridement. Surgical procedures may be necessary in serious cases, but when performed by a highly skilled and experienced dentist, the experience can be relatively painless.
Patients needing periodontal work typically experience one or more of the following symptoms:
- General pain in the effected area
- Bleeding gums when brushing teeth or eating hard foods
- Spaces developing between teeth
- Swollen or tender gums
- Receding gums (teeth appearing noticeably longer)
- Persistent bad breath
- Pus between teeth and gums
- A noticeable change in the shape of one's bite
- Sores in one's mouth