Have you had persistent bad breath lately? Or maybe your gums have been bleeding when you brush or floss? It is easy to overlook these early, often painless signs of periodontal (gum) disease, today's leading cause of tooth loss in adults. At Dental Care of Madison, we offer periodontal treatments, including scaling and root planing, to keep your gums as healthy as possible. Here's all you need to know about this non-surgical deep dental cleaning procedure and how it can enhance your smile.
Periodontal disease is a progressive condition that affects the structures that support the teeth, including the gum tissues, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone. It is considered the leading cause of tooth loss in adults, more so than even tooth decay or trauma. Periodontal disease is usually pain-free and may not produce visible symptoms in its earliest stages, which is why it often goes unnoticed until it has progressed.
The following is a look at the stages of periodontal disease:
Gingivitis: Gingivitis, the earliest stage of periodontal disease, typically results from the body's inflammatory response to plaque buildup along the gumline. Early signs include swollen, red, and tender gums that may bleed easily when brushing or flossing. With excellent oral hygiene and professional cleanings, gingivitis has a good chance of being reversed because the bone and tissue supporting the teeth are still intact.
Early Periodontitis: Left untreated, gingivitis can advance to early periodontitis. The gum tissue will gradually pull back or recede, leaving spaces known as periodontal pockets that trap food debris and harmful bacteria. The body's immune response, combined with bacterial toxins, gradually begins to destroy the underlying bone and connective tissue. Minor loss in the tissues and structures supporting the teeth is possible during this stage.
Moderate Periodontitis: During this stage, the periodontal pockets deepen, and there is significant deterioration in the bone and tissue supporting the teeth. It is common for the teeth to show signs of looseness or mobility as the foundational support is lost. Treatment can help prevent the damage from progressing and causing tooth loss.
Advanced Periodontitis: This advanced and devastating stage of gum disease can lead to significant destruction of the bone, ligaments, and gum tissue supporting the teeth. The periodontal pockets continue to deepen, the infection becomes widespread, and the teeth become looser, shift position, or may fall out entirely. Patients often experience painful chewing and develop gum abscesses. Aggressive treatment by a periodontist may be required at this point to attempt to save the remaining teeth, although extraction is sometimes necessary.
In most cases, periodontal disease results from plaque and tartar buildup along and under the gumline, which triggers an inflammatory response. Additional risk factors include poor oral hygiene, genetics, smoking, diabetes, the natural aging process, certain illnesses and medications, and hormonal changes, such as those that occur during pregnancy. Furthermore, local factors such as tooth misalignment or teeth grinding and clenching (bruxism) can place excessive force on the supporting tissues, accelerating the rate of tissue and bone deterioration.
The following are the most common signs of periodontal disease:
Studies have established a strong connection between periodontal disease and your overall health. Left untreated, the chronic inflammation and infection have been shown to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, dementia, rheumatoid arthritis, respiratory infections, and even pregnancy complications, such as premature births and low birth weights. Preventing, treating, and managing periodontal disease is key to maintaining your overall health and well-being.
Scaling and root planing (SRP) is a deep dental cleaning procedure that's considered the first line of defense against periodontal disease. Scaling involves removing plaque and tartar from your teeth and above and below your gumline, while root planing involves gently cleaning and smoothing the tooth root surfaces. The non-surgical treatment is considered one of the most effective ways to support gum tissue healing and reattachment to the clean tooth root surfaces, halting the progression of periodontal disease.
Depending on the extent of the inflammation and infection, we may also recommend additional treatments, including local antibiotics, antiseptic mouth rinses, or gum tissue grafts if the gums have receded. Our experienced dentists will outline your treatment options and recommend the most conservative solution to promote your gum health and keep your teeth intact.
After treatment, we may recommend periodontal maintenance visits every 3-4 months to minimize the effects of gum inflammation and infection on your smile and overall health. During your appointments, we will gently and thoroughly clean your teeth, evaluate your gums, and intervene, if needed, to maintain your gum health. It's also important to maintain excellent at-home oral hygiene practices to keep your periodontal disease in check.
Prevention is always better than cure when it comes to periodontal disease. Make sure you brush and floss daily to remove plaque and prevent it from building up and irritating your gum tissue. Avoid smoking and maintain a healthy diet, limiting sugary and acidic foods and drinks. Drink plenty of water throughout your day to wash away plaque and food debris and neutralize acids in your mouth.
It's also important to visit Dental Care of Madison for your twice-yearly dental cleanings and examinations. If we see any early signs of periodontal disease, we will recommend prompt treatment to maintain your gum health.
At Dental Care of Madison, we emphasize the importance of periodontal care to enhance your smile and your overall health. Our experienced dentists and patient-centered team offer periodontal treatments, including scaling and root planing, to help keep your gums as healthy as possible and your teeth intact. We strive to ensure our valued patients maintain a lifetime of healthy, beautiful smiles. Call us at (601) 898-9390 to schedule your appointment or request one online today!
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