Gum Disease, Health & Treatment

Healthy gum tissue is supposed to fit snugly, like a cuff, around each tooth. Periodontal (gum) disease can develop when plaque, a sticky substance that builds up on teeth, is not removed with regular home care and visits to your dentist. This substance contains bacteria that can irritate and inflame gum tissue, causing it to pull away from the tooth. Left untreated, the plaque will eventually harden into tartar. Then the build-up of these bacteria-laden substances below the gum line can contribute to the development of bad breath, infection, swollen inflamed gums, and bone loss. Over time, increased bone loss and gum recession can take place, causing teeth to become loose or fall out. Periodontal disease has also been linked to other serious health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, and strokes, to name a few.

When the disease process is more severe, including bone loss, treatment will usually involve scaling and root planning with specially designed dental instruments to carefully remove the plaque & tartar buildup down to the bottom or each periodontal pocket. Depending on how many teeth are involved, the completion of these periodontal “scaling” services may take more than one visit. In most cases, once the root surfaces are cleaned and smoothed, the gum tissue is able to heal and re-attach to the tooth. In more severe cases, we may refer the patient to a periodontal specialist who can use surgical procedures to treat those deeper, hard to reach areas.