Periodontal (gum) disease

This is the early stage of gum disease known as Gingivitis. Left untreated, Gingivitis becomes Periodontitis which ultimately destroys the tissue surrounding your teeth AND the bone that holds your teeth in place. Except for bad breath and gums that bleed, there are very few early warning signals.

The disease advances silently, often without pain, and before you know it, you are losing your teeth and you don't know why. Tooth loss is only the most obvious indicator of gum disease.

Scientific research has discovered linkage between gum disease and stroke, heart disease, diabetes - even an increased risk for pregnant women. When your gums become diseased, your entire immune system is weakened. In the past, fear of painful dental surgery has kept people with gum disease from seeking the care they needed. Well, those days are gone forever.

 The reality is that the treatment is simple and performed right in your dentist’s office. Since gingivitis is a generative disease when left untreated, will cause significant tooth and gum deterioration. It's the bacteria in the plaque and tartar that cause the gums to become inflamed and bleed. The condition becomes more noticeable when you brush your teeth or sometimes when you eat.

Gingivitis (early stage periodontitis) is easily treated by having the hygienist perform a scaling of the effected area and polishing the teeth. If gingivitis is left untreated, the condition will progress and the roots will need a planing and placement of an antimicrobial/antibiotic treatment in the affected area.

The difference between scaling and root planing is simple.

Scaling is the removal of the dental tartar from the tooth surface. Root planing is the process of smoothening the root surfaces and removing the infected tooth structure. As a non-surgical procedure, scaling and planing is performed without any anesthesia, in the dentist’s office. While the procedure is usually painless, advanced stages of gingivitis may make it necessary to numb the area with a topical anesthetic for complete comfort.

Deep scaling and root planing is usually broken down into one section of the mouth per appointment. This allows for adequate healing time, and reduces the time for each appointment.

Do you know why it's so important to treat periodontal disease-and why brushing and flossing alone won't do the trick?

Most importantly, did you know that periodontal disease is today's #1 cause of tooth loss among American adults?

Or that recent data suggest a possible association between periodontal disease and other health issues including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and preterm low birth-weight babies?

To fight infection right where it starts ARESTIN® (minocycline hydrochloride) Microspheres, is an effective antibiotic treatment that comes in powder form. This powder is placed inside infected periodontal pockets just after the dental professional finishes the scaling and root planing (SRP) procedure.