Periodontal Disease: A Treatable Condition

Farber Center Can Treat and Resolve Gum Disease

Periodontal or gum disease is often silent, but it is progressive in many people and frequently leads to tooth loss. It also can harm whole-body health and has the potential to aggravate certain diseases such as diabetes. Early treatments were often considered uncomfortable, and many people put off seeing a periodontist.

The good news today is that recent advances have improved clinical methods. They are less invasive, and patients feel healing times are quicker, and discomfort has been minimized considerably. The introduction of dental lasers and new surgical techniques truly have revolutionized patient care. Also, success rates have improved, and cost-effectiveness is an added benefit of many more modern options.

 Gum Disease: The Early Warning Signs

• • Swollen, inflamed or tender gums as well as pain in the mouth
  • Receding gums, or gums separating from the teeth
  • Bleeding when you brush, floss, or eat certain foods
  • Sores in your mouth
  • Teeth that are loose
  • Pus present between your teeth and gums
  • Bad breath that won’t go away
  • Changes in your bite — the way your teeth fit together
  • Changes in the way dental appliances like partial dentures fit

What is Periodontal Disease?

The term periodontal means around the tooth. Periodontal disease is a common inflammatory condition. It affects the supporting and surrounding soft tissues of the tooth. There are different stages of periodontal disease. The first stage is known as gingivitis, which is inflammation of the gums.  Bleeding often occurs at this stage. Bacteria in the form of plaque on the teeth cause gingivitis. When left untreated, it can spread below the gum line.

When the gums become irritated by the toxins contained in plaque, a chronic inflammatory response causes the body to break down and destroy its bone and soft tissue. There may be little or no symptoms as periodontal disease causes the teeth to separate from the infected gum tissue. Deepening pockets between the gums and teeth are generally indicative that soft tissue and bone is being destroyed.

Diagnosing and Treating Gum Disease

Periodontal disease for most patients is silent because, in the early and mid-stages, they do not feel it, nor do they see it.  Often, dental professionals compare gum disease to high blood pressure, because in both cases, people have the condition but are unaware of it. Among the many good reasons for regular dental cleanings and check-ups is to be screened for gum disease. Like nearly everything else, the earlier it is caught and treated, the better the outcomes. If you skip regular visits to your dentist, the disease often remains undetected until it progresses to a much more significant level. At Farber Center, we’re devoted to saving teeth, and treating gum disease in its early stages is especially important.

Treating gingivitis, early-stage gum disease is straightforward. The earlier we catch it, the higher the success rate can be. However, when the condition is left untreated, it often progresses and develops into full-blown periodontitis. At this stage, there is the added concern of bone loss around the teeth, which is much more significant. Dental laser therapies and the latest gum surgical methods can treat and reserve the condition, but they are more expensive, and in some cases, time-consuming. Patients who do well are the ones who follow through with treatment, return for regular professional visits, and practice consistently good oral hygiene at home.

It’s a Good Idea to Visit a Periodontist for a Thorough Exam

Family dentists and hygienists are on the lookout for gum disease and refer patients with symptoms to periodontists for further diagnosis and treatment.

But it is also a sound decision to refer yourself to a periodontist for a check-up. You can do it the same way you visit a dermatologist for a skin condition or an ophthalmologist for an eye exam. Periodontal professionals have credentials beyond their dental training and are the ones best able to detect and treat any issues early. Especially if you have a history of gum disease or any of the early warning signs listed above, there is no harm — and potentially significant benefit — in making an appointment for an exam.

If it turns out you need periodontal treatment, you’ll be catching things earlier when they are less advanced. Also, Farber Center’s advanced treatment options are less invasive, quicker and cause less discomfort than earlier methods.  You’ll have several options to choose from and be in the care of a dedicated team with many years of experience and offering state-of-the-art methods. We welcome new patients and encourage people to come in for a periodontal evaluation.