Periodontal Disease

Gum Disease

Many adults have some form of gum disease, so you are not alone!

Understanding Gum Disease

The main cause of gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is plaque, but other factors affect the health of your gums such as age, smoking/tobacco use, genetics, stress, medications, poor nutrition and more.

Periodontal disease ranges from simple gum inflammation to serious conditions that result in major damage to the soft tissue and bone that support the teeth. Whether your gum disease improves, slows down or gets worse depends a great deal on how well you care for your teeth and gums every day.

About Periodontal Disease

When gingivitis is not treated, it can advance to periodontitis, which means there is inflammation around the tooth. In periodontitis, gums pull away from the teeth and form spaces, called pockets, that become infected. The body’s immune system fights the bacteria as plaque spreads and grows below the gum line. Bacterial toxins and the body’s natural response to infection start to break down the bone and connective tissue that hold teeth in place. If not treated, the bones, gums, and tissue that support the teeth are destroyed and the teeth may eventually have to be removed. Periodontal treatments and procedures include:

• Non-surgical treatments
• Gum Graft Surgery
• Laser Treatment
• Regenerative Procedures
• Dental Crown Lengthening
• Dental implants
• Pockets Reduction Procedures