Periodontal (Gum) Disease

Have you been searching for a periodontal disease treatment near you in Kilgore, TX? If so, Silvertooth and Whinery Family Dentistry is here to help. Periodontal disease is a bacterial gum infection that can damage the soft tissue and even destroy the bone that supports your teeth. Left untreated, it can lead to severe oral health issues including tooth loss.

At Silvertooth and Whinery Family Dentistry, we are dedicated to providing our patients with the highest quality of care for all of their periodontal needs. Our experienced team uses advanced technologies to detect early signs of periodontal disease and prescribe treatments that will restore your oral health.

Living a healthy lifestyle is important for overall wellness, including oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing regularly can help prevent gum disease.

The term “periodontal” means “around the tooth.” Periodontal disease (also known as periodontitis and gum disease) is a common inflammatory condition that affects the supporting and surrounding soft tissues of the tooth; also the jawbone itself when in its most advanced stages.

Gum disease, is a bacterial infection that affects the gums and other structures that support the teeth. It is caused by the accumulation of plaque on teeth and gums, which contains harmful bacteria. When the bacteria in the plaque build-up, they can cause inflammation of the gums, leading to gingivitis. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more serious form of gum disease that can cause damage to the gums, bone, and other tissues that support the teeth.

This can be a serious condition that can lead to tooth loss and other health problems. Symptoms of gum disease include red, swollen, or bleeding gums, bad breath, and loose or sensitive teeth. Treatment for gum disease typically involves professional cleaning and scaling to remove plaque and tartar buildup, as well as antibiotics and other medications to control infection and inflammation. Regular dental checkups and good oral hygiene practices, including brushing and flossing, can help prevent gum disease and maintain good oral health.

Types of Periodontal Disease

When left untreated, gingivitis (mild gum inflammation) can spread below the gum line. When the gums become irritated by the toxins contained in plaque, a chronic inflammatory response causes the body to break down and destroy its bone and soft tissue. There may be little or no symptoms as periodontal disease causes the teeth to separate from the infected gum tissue.

Deepening pockets between the gums and teeth are generally indicative that soft tissue and bone are being destroyed. There are two main types of periodontal disease: gingivitis and periodontitis.

Gingivitis is the milder and more common form of periodontal disease. It occurs when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth and gums, is not removed through proper brushing and flossing. This leads to inflammation of the gums, which can cause them to become red, swollen, and bleed easily. Fortunately, gingivitis is usually reversible with proper treatment and good oral hygiene habits.
Periodontitis is a more severe form of gum disease that can cause damage to the gums and other tissues that support the teeth, including the bone. It occurs when gingivitis is left untreated and the inflammation spreads below the gumline, leading to the formation of pockets between the teeth and gums. Bacteria and toxins can accumulate in these pockets, leading to further damage to the gums and bone. If left untreated, periodontitis can eventually lead to tooth loss.

Periodontitis can be further classified into several sub-types, depending on the severity and location of the disease. These include aggressive periodontitis, necrotizing periodontal disease, and periodontitis caused by systemic diseases.

Chronic periodontitis is the most common form of periodontitis, and it typically progresses slowly over time. It is characterized by the loss of the connective tissue and bone that support the teeth, resulting in deep pockets between the teeth and gums.
Aggressive periodontitis, on the other hand, progresses rapidly and is characterized by a rapid loss of bone and connective tissue. It usually affects younger individuals and can be more difficult to treat than chronic periodontitis.
Necrotizing periodontal disease is a rare but severe form of gum disease that can cause the death of gum tissue, resulting in painful ulcers and bleeding. It is often associated with other health problems such as HIV, malnutrition, and immunosuppression.

Periodontitis caused by systemic diseases is a form of gum disease that is associated with other health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and respiratory disease. It can be more difficult to treat and may require a multidisciplinary approach to management.

Treatment for Periodontal Disease

There are many surgical and non-surgical treatments that your dentist at Silvertooth and Whinery Family Dental may choose to perform, depending upon the exact condition of the teeth, gums, and jawbone. The dentist will do a complete periodontal exam of the mouth before any treatment is performed or recommended.

Here are some of the more common treatments for periodontal disease:

Scaling and root planing – To preserve the health of the gum tissue, the bacteria and the tartar that initially caused the infection must be removed. The gum pockets will be cleaned and treated with antibiotics as necessary to help alleviate the condition. A prescription mouthwash may be incorporated into daily cleaning routines.
Tissue regeneration – When the bone and gum tissues have been destroyed, regrowth can be actively encouraged using grafting procedures. A membrane may be inserted into the affected areas to assist regeneration.
Pocket elimination surgery – Pocket elimination surgery (also known as flap surgery) is a surgical treatment that can be performed to reduce the pocket size between the teeth and gums. Surgery on the jawbone is another option that eliminates indentations in the bone, which fosters the colonization of bacteria.
Dental implants – When teeth have been lost due to this disease, we can restore the aesthetics and functionality of the mouth by using dental implants. Tissue regeneration procedures may be required before the placement of a dental implant to strengthen the bone.

Aftercare for Periodontal Disease

Proper aftercare is critical for ensuring the success of periodontal disease treatment and preventing future problems. The following are some aftercare tips that patients should follow after undergoing treatment for periodontal disease:

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily will help remove plaque and bacteria from your teeth and gums, reducing the risk. It is also essential to use an antimicrobial mouthwash to kill bacteria and prevent infection.
Attend Regular Dental Checkups: Regular dental checkups are essential for maintaining good oral health and preventing the recurrence of periodontal disease. During these appointments, your dentist will evaluate the health of your teeth and gums, check for signs and perform professional cleanings.
Eat a Balanced Diet: A diet rich in nutrients, especially vitamin C and calcium, can help strengthen teeth and gums and promote healing. Avoid sugary and starchy foods, as these can contribute to bacterial growth and tooth decay.
Quit Smoking: Tobacco products can increase the risk of periodontal disease, impair the body's ability to heal after treatment, and decrease the effectiveness of treatment. Quitting smoking can help improve the chances of successful treatment and overall oral health.
Manage Stress: Stress can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of periodontal disease. Practice stress-reducing techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing to help reduce the risk of recurrence.

If you are concerned about periodontal disease or experiencing symptoms such as bleeding gums, bad breath, or loose teeth, don't wait any longer. Schedule an appointment with Silvertooth and Whinery Family Dental today to evaluate your oral health and discuss your treatment options. Remember, early detection and treatment can help prevent the progression and avoid more serious oral health issues. Don't let gum disease negatively impact your quality of life – take action and prioritize your oral health today!