Dental Laser Therapies

Periodontal Diseases: A Major Cause of Tooth Loss

With proper care, your healthy smile will last a lifetime. Brushing after every meal and daily flossing are major ways you can keep your teeth strong. But unless you have regular dental checkups, including a periodontal exam, you may not be aware you have a problem until your gums and bones have been seriously damaged by periodontal disease.

Periodontal diseases are caused by bacterial infections that attack gum tissue and bone. Often painless, these diseases may develop slowly or progress quite rapidly. They can occur at any age.

The Warning Signs

If you notice any of the following signs, see your dentist immediately:

• Gums that bleed easily.
• Red, swollen or tender gums.
• Gums that have pulled away from the teeth.
• Pus between the teeth and gums when the gums are pressed.
• Persistent bad breath or bad taste.
• Permanent teeth that are loose or separating.
• Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite.
• Any changes in the fit of partial dentures.

It's possible to have periodontal disease and not have warning signs. That's why regular dental checkups and periodontal examinations are important.

Factors That Can Increase Your Risk

Other factors can increase the risk, severity and speed at which periodontal diseases develop:

• People who smoke or chew tobacco
• Bridges that no longer fit properly, malocclusion (misaligned teeth) or fillings that have become defective
• Clenching or grinding your teeth
• Poor diet
• Pregnancy or use of oral contraceptives
• Systemic diseases, such as AIDS or diabetes

Many medications, such as steroids, some types of antiepilepsy drugs, cancer therapy drugs, some calcium channel blockers, and oral contraceptives can affect the gums. That's why we update your medical history regularly.

Preventing Periodontal Disease

Here's how you can keep your teeth and gums healthy:

• Brush your teeth for two minutes after every meal with a fluoride toothpaste and a soft toothbrush.
• Carefully clean between teeth with dental floss or interdental cleaners to remove plaque from areas your toothbrush can't reach.
• Eat a balanced diet for good general health.
• Schedule regular dental checkups.

Checking for Periodontal Diseases

During your checkup, we will examine your gums and take x-rays to evaluate bone supporting the teeth and to detect other problems not visible during the clinical examination. If periodontal disease is diagnosed, we may provide treatment or may refer you to a periodontist, a dentist who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of periodontal diseases.

Treating Periodontal Diseases

Treatment methods depend upon the type of disease and how far the condition has progressed.

The first step is usually a thorough cleaning that may include scaling to remove plaque and tartar deposits beneath the gumline. The tooth roots may also be planed to smooth the root surface allowing the gum tissue to heal and reattach to the tooth. This treatment is known as SRP. In some cases, the occlusion (bite) may require adjustment.

Laser therapy and/or antibiotics or irrigation with antimicrobials (chemical agents or mouthrinse) may be recommended to help control the growth of bacteria that creates toxins and cause periodontitis. It is quick and comfortable even during healing.

Following therapy, more frequent visits may be scheduled.