Periodontal Disease and Maintenance Brick Township

Periodontal diseases are infections of the gums, which gradually destroy the support of your natural teeth. There are numerous disease entities requiring different treatment approaches. Dental plaque is the primary cause of gum disease in genetically susceptible individuals. Daily brushing and flossing will prevent most periodontal conditions.

► It is one of the most common diseases in the world today.

► It is often a silent disorder.

► How do you know if you have it?

► Most people don’t know or understand what it is.

► This brochure is designed to explain what it is and what treatments are available.

► Self-care instructions needed to  prevent reoccurrence.

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is a silent disorder that is often unnoticed by the patient until they get their checkup cleaning and exam.  It’s a bacterial infection of the gums and the bone. It is caused by the accumulation of plaque (layers of bacteria on sticky film) on root surfaces in gum pockets. These bacterial plaques then eat away and destroy bone and gums. A comparison; if the foundation of a house is eaten away by termites, the wall and the roof will also cave in. The foundation of your house is similar to the bone which is the foundation for your mouth.

 Symptoms of Periodontal Disease: 

• Bleeding Gums
• Bad Breath
• Inflammation of the gums
• Tooth Mobility

Why is oral hygiene so important?

Adults over 35 lose more teeth to gum diseases, (periodontal disease) than from cavities. Three out of four adults are affected at some time in their life. The best way to prevent cavities and periodontal disease is by good tooth brushing and flossing techniques, performed daily.

Periodontal disease and decay are both caused by bacterial plaque. Plaque is a colorless film, which sticks to your teeth at the gum line. Plaque constantly forms on your teeth. By thorough daily brushing and flossing you can remove these germs and help prevent periodontal disease.

Periodontal diseases can be accelerated by a number of different factors. However, it is mainly caused by the bacteria found in dental plaque, a sticky colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth. If not carefully removed by daily brushing and flossing, plaque hardens into a rough, porous substance known as calculus (or tartar).

How can we detect Periodontal Disease?

 It is detected during your routine dental cleaning by evaluating 3 things:

1. Radiographs for bone loss
2. Inflammation/ bleeding/ gingival health
3. Probing depths measuring the attachment levels

Preventing Gum Disease

The best way to prevent gum disease is effective daily brushing and flossing as well as regular professional examinations and cleanings. Unfortunately, even with the most diligent home dental care, people still can develop some form of periodontal disease. Once this disease starts, professional intervention is necessary to prevent its progress.

When is treatment indicated?

Non-Surgical treatment, which includes the elimination of bacteria infected root coating with the disinfection of gum pockets, is recommended when pocket depths are 4mm or greater. A routine dental cleaning, nor good homecare will be enough. This treatment is called Root Planing.

What is scaling and root planing? 

Scaling is the removal of calculus from the tooth and below the gumline. Planing is smoothing of the root surface of the tooth, which removes the bacterial biofilm from the root surface so further damage to the bone and supporting tissue cannot occur. It also closes the lining of the pocket so it can heal tightly around the tooth. During treatment local anesthetic is used, generally a half mouth is done at each visit, either the right or left side.

After Scaling and Root Planing

It is important that you return to the office 6 weeks after treatment for reevaluation of your gum tissue and oral hygiene. At this appointment the hygienist or doctor will record your post-op probing depths and determine the need for additional treatment. If significant improvement is not noted surgery may be indicated. If surgery is not indicated, maintenance is important. 

Periodontal disease is never fully cured, only controlled.

 Periodontal Maintenance is The key to long term success.

• Maintenance cleanings are recommended every 3 months
• Follow your prescribed self-care regimen. This may include the waterpik® with disinfection irrigant. Proxy-brushes, floss and natural mouthwashes.

 This is critical to keep the disease under control.

What happens if you leave periodontal disease untreated?

• Disease causing bacteria enter the blood stream (Bacteremia) which can:

► Worsens diabetic complications.

► Can contribute to heart disease.

► Can contribute to stroke occurrence.

► Can lead to various other Inflammatory diseases.

• Teeth become mobile or possible tooth loss
• Periodontal abscesses can occur

 OralDNA® Testing

OralDNA testing is used to identify exactly which types of bacteria are present in your mouth and at what levels. Once we know what bacteria is in your mouth and your level of risk, we can determine the best treatments to use in preventing further damage and restoring your oral health.

Certain types of bacteria are more dangerous and destructive than others. Without appropriate treatment, harmful bacteria can contribute to severe forms of periodontal disease, tooth decay and other serious dental problems. When you visit our practice, our dentists will have you swish a sterile saline solution in your mouth and spit it into a tube. This saliva sample is then sent to OralDNA Labs for testing. Once the results of your test come back, we will work with you to develop an effective treatment plan.

Contact our office today to make your appointment with our dental professionals and learn more about OralDNA testing.