Gum disease is the most common dental infection in the United States. It starts with gingivitis, which is a mild infection in the gums. But if gingivitis is left untreated, it eventually progresses to periodontitis.
Periodontitis affects nearly 50% of American adults over the age of 30, and it’s the most severe form of gum disease. It’s a top cause of loose, shifting teeth and adult tooth loss, but a periodontitis diagnosis doesn’t mean all hope is lost.
If you have periodontitis, partner with Miguel A. Casañas Jr., DDS and our team at Meadowbrook Dental Care. We specialize in periodontal care, and our personalized treatment plans can stop damage in its tracks.
Diagnosing periodontitis
Gum disease starts with a sticky buildup of bacteria called plaque, which collects on teeth. Everyone has plaque, but strong oral hygiene helps remove it. Brushing, flossing, and getting regular dental cleanings is the best way to prevent gum disease.
If plaque isn’t removed effectively, it hardens and begins damaging your teeth and gums. Gingivitis and periodontitis don’t always cause noticeable symptoms, but as the disease progresses, it can cause:
Bleeding gums
Swollen gums
Tooth sensitivity
Bad breath
Loose teeth
Receding gums
One of the most common signs of gum disease is bleeding when you brush or floss. However, it’s important to remember that the only way to know if you have gingivitis or periodontitis is through a professional dental exam.
Treatment options for periodontitis
Gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease, may be reversed with professional dental care. But if you’re diagnosed with periodontitis, the damage can’t be reversed. The good news is that treatment can stop disease progression and preserve your oral health.
Full mouth debridement
Dr. Casañas and Dr. Silfa typically start periodontitis treatment with full mouth debridement. They use a combination of metal tools and electric devices to break up plaque on exposed surfaces of your teeth.
Many people with periodontitis have so much plaque buildup that diagnosing the extent of their condition is challenging. Full mouth debridement removes large amounts of plaque and tartar so the dentists can accurately evaluate your oral health and develop a periodontitis treatment plan that’s right for your mouth.
Scaling and root planing
Scaling and root planing is an effective treatment for many cases of periodontitis. In this process, Dr. Casañas and Dr. Silfa deep-clean your teeth to remove plaque and smooth tooth surfaces, even below your gumline.
Scaling and root planing can be done alongside full mouth debridement to remove bacteria and infection in the pockets between teeth. It can be a good option for patients who have so much plaque buildup that it can’t be removed during a routine dental cleaning.
Laser treatment for periodontitis
Dr. Casañas and Dr. Silfa may recommend laser periodontal therapy for severe periodontitis. Laser treatment safely removes infected gum tissue around the roots of your teeth.
Laser treatment can be combined with other periodontitis treatments to help stop damage from progressing. We may also prescribe a round of antibiotics to eliminate any remaining infection.
Periodontal maintenance
After the bulk of plaque buildup is removed, you may need routine maintenance appointments to prevent periodontitis from progressing. We typically schedule periodontal maintenance appointments every 3-4 months.
Between your appointments, practice good oral hygiene at home. Brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once every day to remove plaque and prevent further gum disease damage.
Periodontitis is common, but you have a lot of treatment options available to keep your mouth as healthy as possible. Call Meadowbrook Dental Care at 516-231-1742 or book your appointment online to get started.