Professional Port Perry Dental Periodontal Dentistry Care

Not only is it the number one reason for tooth loss, research suggests that there may be a link between periodontal disease and other diseases such as, stroke, bacterial pneumonia, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and increased risk during pregnancy.

Researchers are determining if inflammation and bacteria associated with periodontal disease affects these systemic diseases and conditions. Smoking also increases the risk of periodontal disease. Good oral hygiene, a balanced diet and regular dental visits can help reduce your risk of developing periodontal disease.

Signs and symptoms of periodontal disease/common teeth problems include:

• Bleeding gums – gums should never bleed, even when you brush vigorously or use dental floss
• Loose teeth – also caused by bone loss or weakened periodontal fibers (fibers that support the tooth to the bone)
• New spacing between teeth – caused by bone loss
• Persistent bad breath – caused by bacteria in the mouth
• Puss around the teeth and gums – sign that there is an infection present
• Receding gums – loss of gum around a tooth
• Red and puffy gums – gums should never be red or swollen
• Tenderness or discomfort – plaque, calculus, and bacteria irritate the gums and teeth

Our dentists are skilled in the diagnosis of periodontal disease and other common teeth problems. If needed, we will create a customized Periodontal Dentistry treatment and maintenance plan for you. Start your periodontal care today.

If you suspect you might have periodontal disease, contact us today to schedule a comprehensive oral exam.

Diagnosing Periodontal Dentistry with Port Perry Dental

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is diagnosed during a Periodontal Dentistry examination. This type of exam should always be part of your regular dental check-up.

A periodontal probe is gently used to measure the sulcus, the pocket or space, between the tooth and the gums. The depth of a healthy sulcus measures three millimeters or less and does not bleed. The Periodontal Dentistry probe helps indicate if pockets are deeper than three millimeters. As periodontal disease progresses, the pockets usually get deeper.

Port Perry Dental Associates will consider your pocket depths, amount of bleeding, inflammation and tooth mobility to make a diagnosis that will fall into a category below;

Gingivitis (Stage 1)
Gingivitis is the first stage of periodontal disease. Plaque and its toxin by-products irritate the gums, making them tender, inflamed and likely to bleed.

Periodontitis (Stage 2)
Plaque hardens into calculus (tartar). As calculus and plaque continue to build up, the gums begin to recede from the teeth. Deeper pockets form between the gums and teeth and become filled with bacteria and pus. The gums become very irritated, inflamed, and bleed easily. Slight to moderate bone loss may be present.

Advanced Periodontitis (Stage 3)
The teeth lose more support as the gums, bone and periodontal ligament continue to be destroyed. Unless treated, the affected teeth will become very loose and may be lost. Generalized moderate to severe bone loss may be present.

Keep in mind, gum disease is treatable. Our dentists will discuss your gum disease treatment and maintenance options. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

Periodontal Disease Treatment, Maintenance and Periodontal Dentistry Cleaning from Port Perry Dental

Treatment plans for gum disease:

Periodontal Dentistry treatment methods depend upon the type and severity of the disease. Port Perry Dental Associates will evaluate for periodontal disease and recommend the appropriate treatment.

If the disease is caught in the early stages of gingivitis, and no damage has been done, one to two regular cleanings will be recommended. You will also be given instructions on improving your daily oral hygiene habits and scheduled for regular dental cleanings.

Scaling and root planing
If the disease has progressed to more advanced stages, a special Periodontal Dentistry cleaning called scaling and root planing will be recommended. It is usually done one quadrant of the mouth at a time while the area is numb. In this procedure, tartar, plaque and toxins are removed from above and below the gumline (scaling) and rough spots on root surfaces are made smooth (planing). This procedure helps gum tissue to heal and pockets to shrink. Medications, special medicated mouth rinses, and an electric tooth brush may be recommended to help control infection and healing.

If the pockets do not heal after scaling and root planing, Periodontal Dentistry surgery may be needed to reduce pocket depths, making teeth easier to clean. Port Perry Dental Associates may also recommend that you see a periodontist. Our dentists will discuss your treatment and maintenance options.

Maintaining your periodontal health
It only takes 24 hours for plaque that is not removed from your teeth to turn into tartar! Daily home cleaning helps control plaque and tartar formation, but those hard to reach areas will always need special attention.

Once your Periodontal Dentistry treatment has been completed, Port Perry Dental Associates will recommend that you have regular maintenance cleanings and periodontal cleanings, usually four times per year. At these cleaning appointments, the pocket depths will be carefully checked to ensure that they are healthy. Plaque and calculus that is difficult for you to remove on a daily basis will be removed from above and below the gumline.

In addition to your periodontal cleaning and evaluation, your appointment will usually include:

• Examination of diagnostic x-rays (radiographs): essential for detection of decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss. X-rays also help determine tooth and root positions and will show if you are a candidate for other corrective measures to straighten your teeth.
• Examination of existing restorations: check current fillings, crowns, etc.
• Examination of tooth decay: check all tooth surfaces for decay.
• Oral cancer screening: check the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, cheek tissues and gums for any signs of oral cancer.
• Oral hygiene recommendations: review and recommend oral hygiene aids as needed (electric toothbrushes, special periodontal brushes, fluorides, rinses, etc.).
• Teeth polishing: remove stain and plaque that is not otherwise removed during tooth brushing and scaling. We might also discuss receiving a professional whitening if you are interested in making your teeth look as bright as possible.

Good oral hygiene practices and Periodontal Dentistry cleanings are essential in maintaining dental health and keeping periodontal disease under control! Contact us today to book your next check-up.