The periodontist is mainly concerned with: preventing the onset of gum disease (periodontal disease); diagnosing conditions affecting the gums and jawbone; and treating gingivitis, periodontitis, and bone loss.
Gingivitis is the mildest and most common form of periodontitis. This condition is caused by the toxins in plaque, and can escalate to more severe forms of periodontal disease. People at increased risk of developing gingivitis include: Pregnant women.
When Do You Need to See a Periodontist? Gum disease and dental implant treatments are the most common reasons to see a periodontist. But you can benefit from a periodontist's skill in other areas: Tooth extraction, which many periodontists refer to as tooth removal.
For example, periodontitis is linked with respiratory disease, rheumatoid arthritis, coronary artery disease, preterm birth and low birth weight, and problems controlling blood sugar in diabetes.
Periodontal disease is not a life-threatening condition. However, it might require you to seek treatments from various medical professionals when the bacteria from the infection spread to your bloodstream to affect your overall health.
Gingivitis is sometimes mistaken for periodontitis and vice versa. They are both stages of periodontal disease. But they are distinct things, so it's important to be able to tell which might be affecting you.
In its more serious form, called periodontitis, the gums can pull away from the tooth, bone can be lost, and the teeth may loosen or even fall out. Periodontal disease is mostly seen in adults. Periodontal disease and tooth decay are the two biggest threats to dental health.
As with many other oral health diseases, bacteria and plaque buildup is often the cause. In fact, plaque buildup (which contains many kinds of bacteria) is the leading cause of gum disease.
It's never too late for gum grafting as long as the patient has sufficient gum tissue to harvest for the graft. However, the success rate of the procedure may be lower in cases where the patient has advanced gum disease or other underlying health issues that can affect the healing process.
Follow-up patients who have received active periodontal therapy are appropriately reported using the periodontal maintenance code.” The actual ADA code book reads, periodontal maintenance will be completed following active periodontal therapy “for the life of the dentition.” It is safe to assume once a periodontal ...
Periodontitis is a more serious form of periodontal disease. It can damage the tissue that supports your teeth and eventually tooth loss.
The Journal of the National Cancer Institute has determined that the body's immune response to the spread of bacteria during later stages of gum disease and periodontal disease can increase cancer risk by 14% to 20%.
Hallmark symptoms include red, bleeding and tender gums, loose teeth, bad breath and gum recession. You can't cure periodontitis, but you can manage the condition with proper care and maintenance. This includes good oral hygiene and regular dental cleanings at intervals recommended by your dentist.
Gum disease is an infection of the gum tissue; it isn't an infection of the teeth. Therefore, it is important to understand that removing your teeth will not actually treat or cure your gum disease. However, extractions can be an important part of your overall treatment plan to get your oral health back on track.
High-acid foods like tomatoes, citrus fruits, and even soft drinks can damage gums and lead to infection. The acid in these foods erodes the enamel on teeth, which makes them more vulnerable to decay and bacteria.
However, if not addressed in the early stages, it is possible to experience swollen gums that are constantly tender, chills, fever, and a runny nose. It is best to address periodontal disease as soon as possible.
They may experience receding gums, loosening teeth, or tooth loss when it progresses into severe periodontal disease. If you wonder if you can live with this disease, the answer is yes. In general, periodontal disease does not cause pain, which is one of the reasons it develops into a severe condition.
Stage 4: Progressive Periodontitis
This stage involves teeth looseness, shifting teeth, red, swollen and painful gums, often forming an abscess. The end result — eating and even smiling is hard and painful, and you may lose most of your teeth.
When allowed to progress, the gums start to separate from the teeth, and pockets develop. Bacteria accumulate in these spaces, destroying gum tissue and bone, eventually leading to tooth loss. Individual teeth can be affected, or your entire mouth can be at risk.
A recent study reported that rinsing the mouth with salt water can help with your oral health. Salt is a natural disinfectant that helps with gum disease in a few ways: It removes loose debris and cleans the teeth and gums. Reduces inflammation and swelling and soothes the gums.
Stage 1: Gingivitis
Gums that should otherwise be pink will appear red and swollen; you could experience bleeding when you brush or floss. However, at this point, gingivitis can still be reversed. The bone and fibers that hold your teeth in place have not yet been affected.