What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease is a chronic infection of the gums and bones holding your teeth in place.

• If left untreated, the gums and bones holding your teeth in place can be damaged, leading to possible tooth loss
  
• Periodontal disease is very common and affects an estimated 50 million people in the United States
  
• Recent studies suggest a link between periodontal disease and other health complications including diabetes and heart disease

How is periodontal disease treated?

• Scaling and root planing (SRP) is a procedure that we use to remove plaque buildup and bacteria from the infected area around teeth
• ARESTIN™ is an antibiotic that we easily place in the infected gums around your teeth to treat your periodontal disease and help promote healing after SRP
• Because periodontal disease is a chronic disease, your gums need to be checked regularly. Be sure to return for your follow-up appointments otherwise the bacteria will return.

Important facts about treating periodontal disease

Eliminating the infection of periodontal disease is a key focus of treatment

• Some infectious bacteria may remain in the affected area after deep cleaning and begin multiplying again .
• ARESTIN™ is indicated as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) procedures for reduction of pocket depth in patients with adult periodontitis. ARESTIN™ may be used as part of a periodontal program which includes good oral hygiene, and scaling and root planing.

STAGES OF PERIODONTAL DISEASE
Health
Firm and resilient tissue characterized by minimal sulcus depth and coral pink coloring. Variations in gingival color may occur depending on patient’s complexion and race. Evidence of previous disease may be present.


Gingivitis
Inflammation of the gingival characterized clinically by changes in color, gingival form, position, surface appearance, and presence of bleeding and/or exudates.


Periodontitis: Early
Progression of the gingival inflammation into the deeper periodontal structures and alveolar bon crest, with slight bone loss. There is usually a slight loss of connective tissue attachment and alveolar bone.


Periodontitis: Moderate
A more advanced stage of the previous condition, with increased destruction of the periodontal structures and noticeable loss of bone support, possibly accompanied by an increase in tooth mobility. There may be furcation involvement in multi-rooted teeth.


Periodontitis: Advanced
Further progression of periodontitis with major loss of alveolar bone support, usually accompanied by increased tooth mobility. Furcation involvement in multi-rooted teeth is likely.


What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease or gum disease, a chronic inflammation and infection of the gums and surrounding tissue, is the major cause of about 70 percent of adult tooth loss, affecting three out of four persons.

What causes periodontal disease?
Bacterial plaque – a sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on the teeth – is recognized as the primary cause of periodontal disease. If plaque isn’t removed each day by brushing and flossing, it hardens into a rough, porous substance called calculus (also known as tarter). Toxins (poisons) produced and released by bacteria in plaque irritate the gums. These toxins cause the breakdown of the fivers that hold the gums tightly to the teeth, creating periodontal pockets, which fill with even more toxins and bacteria. As the disease progresses, pockets extend deeper and the bacteria moves down until the bone that holds the tooth in place is destroyed. The tooth eventually will fall out or require extraction.

Are there other factors?
Yes. Genetics is also a factor, as are lifestyle choices. A diet low in nutrients can diminish the body’s ability to fight infection. Smokers and spit tobacco users have more irritation to gum tissues than those who don’t, while stress can also affect the ability to ward off disease. Diseases that interfere with the body’s immune system, such as leukemia and AIDS, may worsen the condition of the gums. In patients with uncontrolled diabetes, where the body is more prone to infection, gum disease is more severe or harder to control.

What are the warning signs of periodontal disease?
Signs include red, swollen or tender gums, bleeding while brushing or flossing, gums that pull away from teeth, lose or separating teeth, pus between the gum and tooth, persistent bad breath, change in the way teeth fit together when the patient bites, and a change in the fit of partial dentures. While patients are advised to check for the warning signs, there might not be any discomfort until the disease has spread to a point where the tooth is unsalvageable. That’s why patients are advised to get frequent dental exams.

What does periodontal treatment involve?
In the early stages, most treatment involves scaling and root planing – removing plaque and calculus around the tooth and smoothing the root surfaces. Antibiotics or antimicrobials may be used to supplement the effects of scaling and root planing. In most cases of early gum disease, called gingivitis, scaling and root planing and proper daily cleaning achieve a satisfactory result. More advanced cases may require surgical treatment, which involves cutting the gums, and removing the hardened plaque build-up and recontouring the damaged bone. The procedure is also designed to smooth root surfaces and reposition the gum tissue so it will be easier to keep clean.

How do you prevent periodontal disease?
Removing plaque through daily brushing, flossing and professional cleaning is the best way to minimize your risk.

Is maintenance important?
Patients should visit the dentist every 3-4 months (or more, depending on the patient) for spot scaling and root planing and an overall exam. In between visits, they should brush at least twice a day, floss daily, and brush their tongue. We recommend you use a Sonicare brush if you have periodontal disease.