Periodontal treatment methods depend upon the type and severity of the disease. Your dentist and dental hygienist will evaluate for periodontal disease and recommend the appropriate treatment.
Periodontal disease progresses as the sulcus (pocket or space) between the tooth and gums gets filled with bacteria, plaque, and tartar, causing irritation to the surrounding tissues. When these irritants remain in the pocket space, they can cause damage to the gums and eventually, the bone that supports the teeth!
If the disease is caught in the early stages of gingivitis, and no damage has been done to the bone, one to two regular cleanings will be recommended. You will also be given instructions on improving your daily oral hygiene habits and having regular dental cleanings.
If the disease has progressed to more advanced stages the following signs can be present, bleeding gums, recession of the gums, mobility of teeth and bone loss on x-ray. A special periodontal cleaning called scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) will be recommended. It is usually done one quadrant of the mouth at a time while the area is numb. In this procedure, tartar, plaque, and toxins are removed from above and below the gum line (scaling) and rough spots on root surfaces are made smooth (planing). This procedure helps gum tissue to heal and pockets to shrink. Medications, special medicated mouth rinses, and an electric tooth brush may be recommended to help control infection and healing.
If the pockets do not heal after scaling and root planing, periodontal surgery may be needed to reduce pocket depths, making teeth easier to clean. Your dentist may also recommend that you see a Periodontist (specialist of the gums and supporting bone).
Periodontal disease is a silent disease. The symptoms are very mild in most cases. The gums bleed easily due to inflammation, a bad taste can develop in the mouth, gums may appear swollen and red or the teeth may shift. Smoking will mask all of these symptoms. As the disease progresses, the teeth become loose and eventually may be lost. Pain is not evident in periodontal disease until advanced stages.
At Fairport Family Dental, we set up a patient’s cleaning schedule based on their personal needs. Some people are able to maintain their oral health with two cleanings a year, while others find that they need more frequent cleanings to stay healthy.
It is common for dental insurance to pay towards the cost of teeth cleanings twice a year. The payment agreement has nothing to do with the needs of the patient. Insurance is a benefit plan negotiated by an employer, designed to cover a portion of the total dental cost. People with heavy plaque, calculus build-up or disease such as diabetes or heart disease require more frequent cleanings. Thankfully dental insurance can reduce the amount the patient has to pay.
For more information about Periodontal Disease go to: http://www.perio.org/