Periodontal Disease Treatment: Reclaim Your Oral Health

Many patients don't realize that practicing good oral hygiene and having good oral health impacts their gums just as much as their teeth. At Starbody Dental, we provide patients with the care, tools, and education to prevent gum problems, such as periodontal disease, from developing. If patients do develop gum health problems, we help them address and manage these issues while restoring their oral health.  

What Is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease (also called gum disease) is a bacterial infection that occurs in the pockets of space that can develop between the gum tissues and the surfaces of the teeth. These pockets typically develop as a result of poor oral hygiene when plaque and tartar (calculus) build up on the surfaces of the teeth and push away the gums.  

Common Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease

When periodontal disease first develops, many patients experience no symptoms. As a result, it can be difficult to detect without regular visits to the dentist.

The early signs and symptoms of periodontal disease include:

• Red, swollen, and/or tender gums

• Gums that bleed easily

• Receding gums

• Persistent bad breath

• Unpleasant taste

• Tooth sensitivity

More advanced periodontal disease is associated with the following additional signs and symptoms:

• Pus between the gums

• Bite changes

• Loose teeth

• Tooth loss

• Jawbone degeneration

The Stages of Periodontal Disease

There are four stages of gum disease:

1. Gingivitis

The earliest stage of gum disease often has no symptoms, but some patients experience puffy or irritated gums that might bleed easily with flossing or brushing. No bone degeneration has occurred at this stage, and the disease can still be completely reversed and cured.  

2. Mild Periodontitis

In the second stage, bacteria have reached beneath the gum tissues to begin affecting the structures that support the teeth (i.e. bones and periodontal ligaments). The gums may start to recede and other early symptoms will worsen.  

3. Moderate Periodontitis

Patients tend to begin to experience pain during this stage, as the infection erodes the soft tissues, ligaments, and bone matter that support the teeth. Pus between the teeth becomes more noticeable.

4. Advanced Periodontitis

In the most advanced stage of gum disease, tissue and bone degeneration continues and worsens leading to the loosening and loss of the teeth.  

Why It's Important to Prevent, Treat, and Manage Periodontal Disease

Oral health and general health are closely linked, and periodontal disease can increase a person's risk for a whole host of serious systemic issues such as:

• Cardiovascular disease

• Diabetes

• Dementia

• Rheumatoid arthritis

• Chronic respiratory infections

• Certain cancers

• Reproductive health problems

Safeguarding your oral health also helps promote general wellness.  

How Periodontal Disease Is Treated: Common Treatments for Gum Disease

Treatment recommendations for periodontal disease vary based on each patient's needs and the severity of their case. Potential treatments for periodontal disease include:

• More Frequent Professional Dental Cleanings - Mild cases of gingivitis can often be successfully addressed with more frequent professional dental cleanings and an improved home-care routine.  

• Scaling and Root Planing - We first remove accumulated plaque and tartar from the surfaces of the teeth, and then use special tools to smooth the surfaces of the teeth and root structures, making it more difficult for bacteria to survive.  

• Oral and Topical Antibiotics - Antibiotics help combat bacteria. We might prescribe oral antibiotics, recommend antibiotic gel and trays, or administer antibiotics directly with antibacterial irrigation during other treatments.  

• Laser Gum Therapy - We use a special laser to remove dead and diseased gum tissue.

• Oral Surgery - Surgery might be required to remove deeper infection in and around the roots, ligaments, and bones.  

• Bone and Tissue Grafting - Depending on the amount of degeneration present, some patients can benefit from restorative bone and tissue grafting procedures.

Reclaim Your Oral Health with Periodontal Disease Treatment in Murfreesboro, TN

At Starbody Dental, we do our best to help our patients prevent gingivitis and periodontal disease. However, gum disease can still sometimes develop.

If you have been diagnosed with gingivitis or a later stage of periodontal disease, we encourage you to take action and protect your health with treatment or ongoing periodontal disease management. To learn more about periodontal disease or to request an appointment with our dentists, we welcome you to contact our office today.