What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal Disease, or Periodontitis, occurs when plaque byproducts destroy the tissue that anchors teeth in the bone. As the disease continues to progress, pockets form, which allow more plaque to collect below the gum line. They can also become very sensitive to cold and touch.
In advanced cases of Periodontal Disease, the teeth lose more support as the disease continues to destroy the periodontal ligament and bone. Unless treated appropriately, the affected teeth frequently become loose and may fall out, or require removal.
Unsure if you might have Periodontal Disease? Be aware and mindful of the following symptoms:
- Red, swollen, tender, and/or painful gums.
- Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing teeth.
- Teeth that have shifted or seem loose.
- Persistent bad breath.
- Receding gums.
To effectively treat Periodontal Disease, the tartar needs to be cleaned away from both above and below the gums. The depths of the periodontal pockets will be measured to determine the severity of your gum disease. The aim of treatment is to help the gums reattach to the teeth, reduce swelling of the gums, reduce the depth of the periodontal pockets, and overall lessen the risk of infection. After the initial procedure to treat the pockets, you will need to have your teeth cleaned more frequently than the standard twice per year - every three to four months. But no matter how often you have your teeth professionally cleaned, you will still need to look after them diligently at home to prevent the Periodontal Disease from becoming more severe.
To learn more about Periodontal Disease or to set up an appointment, call us at 781-444-1145 or email us at info@analettodentistry.com.
