Gum disease is a serious condition that affects people from all walks of life. Our practice provides periodontal services for all stages of gum disease to restore your oral health.
Periodontal disease, gum disease, and periodontitis are all phrases that we use to describe an infection in the gingiva (gums) and bone around your teeth. Since we rely on healthy structures to keep your tooth roots intact, it is essential that signs of periodontitis are identified as early as possible.
Gingivitis is the earliest sign that there is a problem. Minor redness, swelling, or mild bleeding may be common. But if not treated with daily home care and professional cleanings, that infection can spread down into your connective tissues, creating permanent structural damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
The earliest sign of periodontitis is an irritated gum line that might present some discomfort or bleeding when you brush, floss, or have your teeth cleaned professionally. If not treated, the gums will start to retract and pull away from the teeth. This creates spaces between the teeth and gums called periodontal pockets that can quickly become filled with harmful accumulations. Your dentist will typically measure the depths of these pockets to determine how far the condition has spread and what treatment is needed to correct the problem. If gum disease eventually makes its way down to the jawbone and the connective tissues of teeth, the jawbone can deteriorate and teeth can be lost.
Some of the most common symptoms of periodontal disease include:
- Gum recession
- Long-looking teeth
- Tooth mobility (loose tooth or movement)
- Sore teeth when you chew or bite
- Spaces between teeth
- Deep pockets under your gums
- Visible bone loss on x-rays
- Heavy tartar buildup
- Bad breath
- Bleeding when you brush and floss
- Swollen, red gums
Please keep in mind that if you smoke, vape, or use tobacco products, you may not see the same symptoms as someone who does not. Your tissues could look healthy due to the lack of bleeding or swelling, even if the disease is present.
Periodontal disease or gum disease is effectively treated in two ways. The treatment you receive depends on the severity of the gum disease.
Scaling and root planing are recognized as the standard treatment for periodontitis. The procedure is highly effective in managing the condition in its early to moderate stages. It also does an excellent job of reversing its harmful effects. When providing scaling and root planing treatment, your dentist will access the areas below the gum line and between the teeth and remove harmful accumulations of plaque, tartar, and oral bacteria. Then the root surfaces will be smoothed out to prevent future accumulations. Your gums should then begin the healing process and eventually reattach themselves to the teeth.
The second treatment is called bone grafting and is often required when bacteria and plaque have reached the jawbone and caused some amount of deterioration and decay. Your dentist must surgically access the damaged jawbone in order to regenerate it. This is accomplished by applying proteins and artificial bone-like material to the areas of decay, which will help encourage new bone growth. Bone grafting is often a necessary step for strengthening the jawbone so that it can support dental implants to replace missing teeth.
The first signs of periodontal disease or gum disease are red and swollen gums, gums that bleed when you floss or brush, and untreated gingivitis. Advanced signs of gum disease include loss of teeth and exposure of the tooth’s root. Periodontitis or gum disease can lead to tooth loss if not treated properly.
There are three usual causes of gum disease. The first and most common is chronic periodontitis. This occurs when oral hygiene is neglected, and bacteria accumulate beneath the gum line, eventually turning into a hard substance called tartar. Tartar is not easily removed by brushing and flossing and requires professional cleaning. If left untreated, the gums become inflamed and damaged, and bone loss occurs.
The second cause is aggressive periodontitis, which is believed to have a genetic component as it shows up in a small number of families. It moves quickly and can even be seen in children.
The last and rarest cause is necrotizing periodontal disease. This can occur in people with immune issues or chronic diseases. The soft tissues and bone are compromised due to a lack of blood flow to the area.
Receding gums affect about half of Americans over the age of 50, but young people can experience gum recession, too. You may be genetically predisposed to gum recession. Some people are born with thin gums. Other times, the environment might contribute to recession. Things like aggressive brushing, trauma, surgery, or ill-fitting partials can cause recession.
Treatment Of Gum Recession
If you notice a tooth looks long or you experience sensitivity or pain when brushing and flossing, you could have gum recession. Be sure to come in and have your doctor take a look. If you have recession, we can typically graft a small amount of skin from your palate and patch it over the receding area. The treatment helps protect the tooth from further damage. It is a minor procedure that can be done for a single tooth or multiple teeth, depending on your needs.
More Questions?
If you have any questions about periodontal disease and gum disease treatment in Gallatin, TN, please contact our office, and we will be happy to answer any questions.