What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, describes infections and inflammation of the soft tissues and bones that surround and support your teeth.
In its early stages, it’s possible to treat and even reverse gum disease. However, if the condition progresses, you run the risk of gum recession, tooth loss, and more serious health problems.
Are there different types of periodontal disease?
There are several different types of periodontal disease, but the two most common are gingivitis and periodontitis.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis causes inflammation of your gums and occurs as a result of a bacterial infection. If your gums bleed when you brush or floss your teeth, it’s probably due to gingivitis.
Periodontitis
Periodontitis occurs when plaque––a thin film of bacteria––builds up on your teeth. Without proper brushing and flossing, plaque can penetrate your gum line and cause your gums to separate from your teeth. As periodontitis progresses, your teeth might also become loose or unstable.
What are the symptoms of periodontal disease?
The symptoms of periodontal disease vary from person to person and depend on the severity of your infection. However, telltale signs include:
- Gums that are tender, red, or swollen
- Pain when chewing
- Sensitive teeth
- Loose teeth
- Receding gums
You might also notice that you have chronic bad breath that doesn’t respond to brushing and flossing your teeth or mouthwash.
How is periodontal disease diagnosed?
To diagnose periodontal disease, your East Village Dental provider carefully probes your gums with a small ruler. Your dentist also measures any pockets around your teeth; a healthy gum pocket usually has a depth of between 1-3 millimeters.
If these tests don’t provide adequate information, your dentist might also order a series of digital X-rays to check for bone loss.
How is periodontal disease treated?
Treatment of periodontal disease depends on the severity of your symptoms. However, the team at East Village Dental has years of expertise and uses advanced dental techniques to reverse gum recession without extensive surgery.
In addition, periodontal restoration treatment at East Village Dental is fast and effective. Recovery is minimal, and the results are instant.
Periodontal disease is a serious problem that requires immediate treatment. If you’re concerned about your risk, make an appointment at East Village Dental today by calling the office or clicking the online booking tool.
