Periodontal Disease Cambridge

Periodontal Disease Treatment in Cambridge

Periodontal translates to the area around the tooth. Periodontal disease attacks the gums and the bone that support the teeth. Plaque and calculus, caused by food debris, saliva, and bacteria need to be removed as they damage gums and bone if not treated properly.

Individuals with periodontal diseases may experience swollen or red gums. Maintaining good oral hygiene, avoiding tobacco-led products, a balanced diet, and regular dental visits can keep your periodontal issues at bay.

What are the Symptoms of Periodontal Disease?

Bleeding gums
Loose teeth
New spacing between teeth
Red and puffy gums
Persistent bad breath
Pus around the teeth and gums
Receding gums
Tenderness or discomfort

Diagnosis and Stages of Periodontal Diseases

Diagnosis

During your regular dental checkup with your dentist or hygienist, you will also undergo a periodontal examination. With a periodontal probe, your dentist will measure the sulcus (pocket space between tooth and gums). The depth of a healthy sulcus measures three millimeters or less and does not bleed.

Usually, pockets measuring four millimeters indicate gingivitis or gum inflammation. Your dentist or hygienist will use pocket depths, amount of bleeding, inflammation, tooth mobility, etc., to make a diagnosis that will fall into the category below:

Gingivitis

The initial stage of periodontal disease, Gingivitis is majorly caused by plaque-containing bacteria and toxin by-products. This irritates the gums, making them tender, inflamed, and likely to bleed.

Periodontitis

It’s the advanced stage of gingivitis which majorly occurs when it is left untreated. This involves inflammation and infection of the tissues that support and surround your teeth, including the gums, periodontal ligaments, and bone.

Advanced Periodontitis

It’s a severe form of periodontal wherein the teeth lose more support as the gums, bone, and periodontal ligament continue to be destroyed by the bacteria and toxins present in the plaque and calculus.

Periodontal Disease Treatment

The treatment of periodontal disease depends upon its severity which is evaluated by the dentist or hygienist. If an early stage of gingivitis with no damage to the bond is identified, one to two regular cleanings will be recommended. With improved oral hygiene habits and regular dental cleanings, you can easily take care of the disease. 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.

Maintenance

It only takes twenty four hours for plaque that is not removed from your teeth to turn into calculus (tartar)! Daily home cleaning helps control plaque and tartar formation, but those hard to reach areas will always need special attention.

Once your periodontal treatment has been completed, your dentist and dental hygienist will recommend that you have regular maintenance cleanings (periodontal cleanings), usually four times a year. At these cleaning appointments, the pocket depths will be carefully checked to ensure that they are healthy. Plaque and calculus that is difficult for you to remove on a daily basis will be removed from above and below the gum line.

In addition to your periodontal cleaning and evaluation, your appointment will usually include:

Examination of diagnostic x-rays (radiographs): Essential for detection of decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss.X-rays also help determine tooth and root positions
Examination of existing restorations: Check current fillings, crowns, etc.
Examination of tooth decay: Check all tooth surfaces for decay
Oral hygiene recommendations:Review and recommend oral hygiene aids as needed. (Electric toothbrushes, special periodontal brushes, fluorides, rinses, etc.)
Teeth polishing:Remove stain and plaque that is not otherwise removed during tooth brushing and scaling

Good oral hygiene practices and periodontal cleanings are essential in maintaining dental health and keeping periodontal disease under control!