Periodontitis, or gum disease, is an infection that develops in the gums due to bacteria produced by plaque. The three stages of gum disease are gingivitis, periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis. Poor hygiene habits and neglecting treatment can increase your chances of developing gum disease.
Are You at Risk for
Gum Disease?
Certain factors can increase your risk of developing periodontal disease, such as pregnancy, diabetes, use of certain types of medication, poor nutritional health, and more.
In addition, more common attributing factors include:
- Improper or poor oral hygiene
- Smoking or tobacco use
- Defective dental restorations
- Asymmetrical teeth
When left untreated, the first stage of gingivitis will advance into periodontitis. This is when the gums and bone that support your teeth become critically damaged. Teeth can become loose, fall out, or ultimately be removed by a dentist.
Subsequently, periodontal disease can lead to more serious health problems such as Alzheimer’s and respiratory disease.
Preventing
Periodontal Disease
Triad Cosmetic Dentistry recommends visiting Dr. Macdonald at least twice a year for an exam and cleaning to prevent periodontal disease and premature tooth loss. Our Triad dentist and hygienist will check for any signs of gum disease to keep your gums and teeth healthy.
Preventive dentistry saves our patients money, time, and potential pain or discomfort. Our goal at Triad Cosmetic Dentistry is to provide exceptional dental care so you don’t need additional treatment. We go beyond a simple cleaning — our hygienists strive to give you the tools you need to maintain your oral health properly at home.
Treatment Options
At Triad Cosmetic Dentistry
We offer a variety of treatment options for patients that have been diagnosed with gum disease. Prior to your treatment, our team will take the time to determine the severity of your disease and discuss treatment options.
Before suggesting surgical treatment, we seek the least invasive, non-surgical options. However, surgery may be necessary in more serious cases of periodontal disease.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis?
Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease. Other than your gums appearing red and possibly bleeding when you floss, you won’t experience any symptoms during this stage.
Periodontitis is a more advanced stage of gum disease that causes far more severe symptoms. These include deep periodontal pockets, severe pain, tooth loss, and more.
What are the treatments for periodontitis?
Periodontitis is more difficult to treat than gingivitis — methods such as improved oral hygiene or scaling and root planing are unlikely to be effective once your infection reaches this stage.
Though we’ll exhaust every other option first, a surgical procedure may be necessary to eliminate periodontitis. We offer pocket-depth reduction, regeneration, and soft-tissue grafting at our Archdale practice.
What happens if I don't get treatment for periodontitis?
Without treatment, periodontitis can wreak havoc on your overall health. Your gums will begin to separate from your teeth, causing severe pain and loose teeth that will eventually begin to fall out. Your jawbone will also deteriorate, affecting your bite alignment and facial structure.
In addition to all these oral health issues, periodontitis can also lead to many serious health conditions. Some of these include heart disease, strokes, diabetes, and cancer.
What causes periodontitis?
Gum disease is caused by a lack of oral hygiene, such as not brushing and flossing often enough or neglecting to visit your dentist at least twice a year. Though gum disease begins as a mild condition, commonly known as gingivitis, it can progress into periodontitis without prompt treatment.
The best way to avoid gum disease is to take excellent care of your teeth and visit your dentist every six months for a checkup. If your gums start to look red or swollen, make sure to get treatment right away before your symptoms become severe.
Visit Triad
Cosmetic Dentistry Today
If you’re at risk for gum disease, schedule an appointment with one of our Triad dentists and hygienists. The longer you wait to seek treatment, the higher the chances are of developing periodontitis that can result in irreversible damage.
At Triad Cosmetic Dentistry, we prioritize the oral health and overall wellness of our patients. If you have any questions about our treatment options, contact us at (336) 434-3186 to speak to one of our knowledgeable staff members. Let us help you keep your teeth and gums healthy.