Periodontitis, commonly called gum disease, is an infection of the gums. The infection causes soft tissue damage and destroys the jawbone that supports the teeth. The gum infection can ultimately loosen teeth. These loosen teeth may fall out or need to be pulled.
Gum Disease Occurs because of Plaque Buildup.
Gum disease is preventable. Poor flossing and brushing habits will often lead to an infection of the gums. Plaque is sticky bacteria that covers teeth like a film. The film will harden on teeth and under the gum line the longer the plaque remains on a patient’s teeth and gums. The harden plaque becomes tartar. Tartar cannot be removed by simply brushing teeth or flossing.
Common Types of Periodontitis Disease
“Gum disease” is a general term for a variety of periodontitis diseases that ruins the gums. For instance, chronic periodontitis affects adults and is caused by plaque buildup. It may result in deterioration of gums and destruction of gums and teeth. Another type of gum disease is called aggressive periodontitis. This type of gum disease occurs affects children and young adults. It is genetic. If left untreated, it rapidly causes tooth and bone loss.
The last type of periodontitis is necrotizing periodontal disease. This type of gum disease causes tooth ligaments gum tissue to die. It also causes necrosis. Necrosis causes a decrease of blood supply and a severe infection. Necrotizing periodontal disease is caused by certain medical conditions such as cancer and HIV.
Gum Disease Symptoms Start Slowly and May Advance if Treatment.
General symptoms of gum disease may begin slowly. In fact, some dental clinic Norfolk NE patients may not recognize the symptoms until the gum disease is more advanced. One gum disease symptom is the appearance of blood while brushing. Gums may become puffy or swollen. The gums may also become tender to the touch or easily bleed. Other symptoms include:
.receding gums
.Spaces between teeth
.painful chewing
.Bad breath
.Pus between your gums or teeth
.Change in the way teeth fit together
Laser Periodontal Therapy Can Treat Gum Disease.
General treatment of gum disease involves root planing and scaling. These are non-surgical procedures to clean teeth and their root (if exposed because of the gum disease). One surgical procedure is called laser periodontal therapy. A laser is used to find and removed any inflamed gum tissue from the root of each tooth.
Once the tooth’s root is exposed, root scaling starts. This part of the treatment involves removing the calculus and plaque buildup around the teeth and below the gum line. A dentist smooths out any rough spots in the area that can attract plaque and tartar. This technique causes the root to heal and regenerate.
Some benefits of the laser treatment are no anesthetic needed and recovery time is shorter than other treatments. However, it is important to ask a dentist if you are a candidate for laser gum disease treatment or if there are other options that will help. Gum disease should not be a fact of life. Practice good hygiene and see the schedule dentist appointments regularly.