Signs, Symptoms, Prevention and Treatment of Periodontal Disease
Jan 11th, 2012 by admin
Periodontal disease is an infection to the gums which can destroy the bone and soft tissue that surrounds teeth. Most people who are diagnosed with this disease do not practice good oral hygiene.
Signs and Symptoms
The following signs and symptoms are commonly associated with periodontal disease:
• Gums that are tender, swollen, red and receding (pulling away from teeth)
• Spaces between teeth
• Bad breath or a foul taste
• Teeth that are loosened
• Changes to positioning of teeth
• Signs of pus on gums and teeth
Prevention of Periodontal Disease
The best way to prevent periodontal disease is to practice good oral hygiene. This includes brushing teeth and gums on a daily to remove plaque buildup. Daily flossing is another way to remove plaque and bacteria from teeth and gums.
In addition to at-home care, people should have regular visits to the dentist. Typical visits should occur every six months to receive cleanings. These cleanings by a dental hygienist or dentist can remove additional plaque and bacteria that brushing at home does not.
Nonsurgical Periodontal Treatments
Scaling is a procedure that removes bacteria from the surface beneath the gums.
Root planing smoothes the surfaces to discourage further tartar buildup.
Some dental professionals may use topical or oral antibiotics to control bacteria that cause an infection. These antibiotics come in many forms, including rinses and gels.
Surgical Periodontal Treatments
Flap or pocket reduction surgery is an advanced scaling and planing procedure. Through tiny gum incisions, tissue is pulled back to expose roots for a more thorough cleaning.
Tissue grafts is a procedure to replace damaged tissue from receding gum lines. The surgeon removes tissue from the roof of the patient’s mouth and attaches it to the damaged area.
A bone graft is usually performed when periodontal disease results in destruction to the bone that surrounds teeth. This often helps to prevent tooth loss and allows bone to grow back in the damaged area.
An extension of the bone graft procedure is tissue regeneration. A specially designed material is placed between the bone and tooth. This material prevents unwanted particles from entering the area as it heals.
