Periodontal disease is known as gum disease. This is a serious dental disease that affects your gums and the bone that holds your teeth in position. Periodontal disease begins with gingivitis, where your gums become red, swollen, and likely to bleed. If gingivitis is not treated early by a professional, it may develop into a periodontitis condition that can potentially lead to tooth loss.
Periodontal disease is very common, especially in adults, and many people may not feel pain at first, so they may not know they have it. That is why it is so important to visit your dentist for regular checkups. If you are in need of care, periodontics in SW Calgary offers professional guidance, support and care for the diagnosis and treatment of gum disease.
How Do Dentists Check for Periodontal Disease?
When your dentist examines your teeth and mouth for gum disease, they will check for signs of gum disease. Here’s how they check:
Your dentist will use a small, thin tool called a periodontal probe to measure the size of the space between your teeth and gums, called pockets. Healthy pockets are generally 1-3 mm deep. Any depth deeper than this may be a sign of periodontitis.
The dentist also checks for:
- Gum bleeding
- Gum swelling
- Tooth movement
- Bone loss (using X-rays)
This process is called a periodontal examination, and it is the first step in Periodontitis diagnosis and care.
What Are the Main Causes of Periodontal Disease?
There are many causes of gum disease; however, the most common cause of gum disease is plaque. Plaque is a sticky substance that forms on the teeth every day as a film of bacteria. If it is not cleaned properly, it hardens into tartar, which can only be removed by a dentist in SW Calgary.
Other causes include:
- Poor brushing and flossing
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Genetics
- Certain medications
How Is Periodontal Disease Treated?
After your gum disease is present, your dentist will recommend the proper Periodontitis treatment procedures – according to its severity. Treatments help to remove the bacteria, clean out the tissue, and safeguard the teeth. Here are some of the treatments dentists provide
1. Scaling and Root Planing
This is also commonly known as deep cleaning. The dentist cleans under the gums to remove tartar and plaque. Afterward, he/she provides a smoothing of the root surface – allowing normal healing to take place and allowing for the tissue to properly attach back to the teeth. This is generally the first treatment for mild to moderate gum disease.
2. Gum Grafting
When the gum has pulled away from the teeth, there is no opportunity for the tissue to grow back. With the graft, we can add some tissue to cover the roots and protect them. This can also help to reduce sensitivity and to prevent further gingival loss.
3. Periodontal Surgery
If deep pockets remain after cleaning, surgery may be needed or required. The dentist will lift the gingiva, clean the area well, reshape the bone if required, and close the gingiva for normal healing.
4. Periodontal Maintenance
After the main treatment, periodic periodontal maintenance is critical. This includes deep cleaning every few months to prevent the disease from returning. Your dentist will tell you how often or regularly you need to be seen.
What Happens If Periodontal Disease Is Not Treated?
If gum disease is not treated in time:
- Teeth can become loose
- Teeth may fall out
- Infection may spread
- It can affect your overall health (such as heart problems or diabetes)
That’s why early diagnosis and periodontitis treatment procedures are very important.
Can You Prevent Gum Disease?
Yes! You can prevent it by taking good care of your teeth as well as your gums.
Tips for Prevention of a Gum Disease
- Brush your teeth atleast twice a day
- Floss once a day
- Visit your dentist every 6 months
- Eat healthy foods
- Stop smoking
Regular periodontal maintenance can also help you prevent gum disease. Remember, that the healthy gums also mean a healthy smile.
If you need help with periodontics, talk to your dentist today. Early action can save your teeth and help your overall health.
Get Expert Periodontal Treatment Today!
If you are dealing with gum disease, at Atlas Dental Centre, we can provide expert care for gum disease with safe and proven treatments. During your visit, our dental team examines your gums and performs a dental process to remove harmful plaque and protect the supporting bone around the teeth. Our goal is to help keep your mouth healthy and prevent future issues. If you have swollen or bleeding gums, we can help. Get expert periodontal treatment today at Atlas Dental Centre.