The health of your gums is just as important as your teeth. Signs of blood, gum inflammation, or recession are all indications that your mouth’s foundation is unwell. The health of your gum tissue and bone are vital to us, which is why we strive to treat any periodontal condition you’re experiencing. Learn more about periodontal care below, and schedule an appointment to get started maintaining your oral health at our Kingston, PA office.
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is an infection that affects the gums and bone that support the teeth. This condition is caused by a combination of bacteria and dental plaque, which can lead to symptoms including:
To determine your periodontal condition, the dentist or dental hygienist uses an instrument called a probe to measure the depth of your gum tissue. The depth of healthy gum tissue is between 1-3 millimeters. Deeper readings indicate what stage of gum disease you have and what type of cleaning you will need.
The first sign of gum disease is inflammation of the gums, which indicates that your body is fighting a bacterial infection. Usually, bleeding is noticed when brushing and flossing. The good news is this stage is reversible!
This stage of the infection has spread to the bone and starts attacking bone tissue with highly aggressive bacteria. Although not reversible, it is still manageable. This stage is usually treated by a non-surgical cleaning called scaling and root planing.
Deeper pockets start developing between your teeth and gums, and the bacteria attacks the teeth and jawbone. During this stage, the bacteria can enter your bloodstream and immune system. Stage 3 can also be treated by non-surgical scaling and root planing, and may require medication.
This is the most severe stage of periodontal disease and can cause a 50-90% chance of irreversible bone loss. Usually, the best treatment is periodontal surgery or laser therapy to properly clean out deep pockets and help the infected tissue heal.
Periodontal care works to promote gum health and stop the progression of bone loss. Using a technique called scaling and root planing, we remove harmful bacteria and smooth the root surfaces to encourage healing and gum reattachment to the teeth. This procedure may take a few visits to complete and may require regular maintenance appointments following initial treatment.
Treating your periodontal disease will stop the progression of gum recession, bone loss, and ultimately, tooth loss. Surprisingly, the benefits don’t stop at just your mouth. By treating gum disease, you also decrease your risk of:
Think you may have periodontal disease? Schedule an appointment with Brand Dental in Kingston, PA today!