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Stages of Periodontal Disease
As Periodontal Disease progresses gums recede and bone around teeth dissolves away.
Gingivitis
The mildest form of periodontal disease is known as gingivitis. Gingivitis is an inflammatory reaction of the gum tissue to surrounding bacterial accumulation.
This inflammation is mostly attributed to plaque build-up from inadequate oral hygiene at home. When teeth are not properly cleaned, bacteria accumulate below the gums and under dental restorations such as fillings and crowns, leading to inflammation of the gums.
There is usually little or no pain or discomfort, although the gums are often red and swollen and may bleed easily. Gingivitis is reversible with proper home care and professional cleanings by removing the bacteria laden plaque biofilm.
Mild Periodontitis
If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis. Periodontitis may occur in three progressive stages; mild, moderate, and advanced.
Mild periodontitis is the earliest form, and it occurs when plaque starts to harden into calculus (tartar) in the space between the gums and the teeth. Bacteria and their toxins are now able to spread below the gum line and attack the gum tissues and bone which supports the teeth.
Moderate and Advanced Periodontitis
Mild periodontitis, if untreated, can progress to moderate or advanced periodontitis. Advanced infection and inflammation causes the body to break down the fibers and bone that support the teeth.
The toxins from the bacteria enter the bloodstream and stimulate a chronic inflammatory response by the liver and other organ systems. As the gums and underlying jawbone are destroyed, the teeth begin to loosen and may be lost. The bacteria that have entered the bloodstream can travel to other areas of the body, leading to further health problems.
Gingivitis and mild periodontitis should be diagnosed and managed as soon as symptoms are discovered. Moderate and advanced periodontitis should be evaluated and treated by a periodontist, a recognized dental specialist with significant postgraduate training in the diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease.
Consequences of non-treatment of moderate and advanced periodontitis are severe and dangerous to your teeth and overall health. Treatment should never be delayed or ignored.
Treatment of Periodontal Disease
It is extremely important to halt the progression of periodontal disease before it causes further damage to the gum tissues and underlying bone.
A periodontal screening should be performed which consists of a full mouth set of xrays and a periodontal charting and probing to record pocket depths. The amount, condition, and quality of the gum tissues are also recorded in the periodontal chart.
After a periodontist has evaluated the entire mouth and has made a diagnosis, the disease can be treated using nonsurgical or surgical treatment or both.
Appropriate treatment methods are chosen by the periodontist based upon the individual patient’s needs and the severity of his or her periodontal disease. If gum disease is caught during the early stages of gingivitis, treatment consists of regular dental cleanings to remove the bacteria biofilm and subgingival calculus, and more improved oral hygiene practices at home.
If the condition has begun to progress, mild to moderate periodontal disease will be treated by a periodontist with a nonsurgical procedure known as scaling and root planing. During this deep cleaning procedure the pockets that have formed between the teeth and gum tissue are cleared of plaque biofilm and debris. Any calcified material that has formed on the root surfaces is removed. The pockets may also be filled with antibiotics to treat the infection and kill any remaining bacteria.
This initial phase of treatment often involves multiple appointments and is typically performed under local anesthesia to provide comfort to the patient. Various methods of sedation are available for patients who are apprehensive or suffer from extremely sensitive teeth.
More severe cases of periodontal disease can be treated in a number of ways. For example, laser treatment may be used to reduce the size of the pockets that have formed between the teeth and gums, lost bone or gum tissue may be regenerated using bone and tissue grafts, or surgical procedures may be performed to eliminate periodontal pockets. Other procedures are used to replace lost gum tissue.
To see a list of various periodontal procedures performed at our office, click here.
Systemic Consequences of Untreated Periodontal Disease
In recent years research has shown a definite association between periodontal disease and other chronic inflammatory conditions of the body. Periodontal disease increases your risk of stroke, heart disease, diabetes, pulmonary problems, pregnancy complications, artificial joint complications, and other serious systemic illnesses. Therefore, treating inflammation of the gums may not only help manage periodontal disease but may also help to control other chronic inflammatory conditions and your overall health.
Click here to visit our Oral Systemic Connection Evaluation Center.
