Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is a serious infection of the gum tissues that causes inflammation and affects your gums, periodontal ligaments, and bones. If you have been diagnosed with periodontal disease, you will need special care and treatment to protect your oral structures.
There are two stages of periodontal disease: gingivitis and periodontitis.
Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease. At this stage, behavior modifications and changes to your oral health habits may be sufficient enough to stop the progression of the disease and even reverse its effects. Dr. Nguyen is able to detect signs of inflammation during your regular exam.
Periodontitis is the advanced stage of gum disease. At this stage, the disease begins to affect the bone and surrounding tissues. You will notice larger gum pockets and, in some cases, even loose teeth.
It is important to note that having gingivitis does not necessarily mean you will end up with periodontitis. Early intervention is the key to preventing periodontitis.
It is important to keep a close eye on your gums because gum disease is often painless, meaning the only way you will know about it is by visually assessing your gums. Some symptoms to watch out for are:
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should contact Dr. Nguyen as soon as possible for a comprehensive exam. Treating gum disease as early as possible is the best way to treat it.
Periodontal disease, also called periodontitis, is caused by bacteria. If plaque is allowed to slip below the gumline, something that can be prevented with regular professional cleanings, it can lead to inflammation of the gums and infection. As the infection worsens, it will actually start to pull your gums away from your teeth.
Some contributing factors are:
If you think you may be at risk for periodontal disease, talk to Dr. Nguyen about steps you can take to reduce your risk.
The appropriate treatment for periodontal disease is entirely dependent on the severity of your case. If you have mild inflammation, changing your brushing and flossing frequency and technique in addition to antibiotics may be sufficient. However, periodontitis treatment is a little more complex.
Scaling and root planing are great ways to treat periodontitis that involves manually removing the plaque buildup on your teeth. Scaling is the removal of the plaque and tartar buildup, and planing, if scaling alone won’t be enough, is a procedure wherein Dr. Nguyen will actually clean the root of your tooth.
Thoroughly cleaning out the gum pockets and the surrounding bone and ligament tissues is essential to treating periodontitis.
Dr. Nguyen and her team at The Tooth Inc. are dedicated to giving you a healthy, beautiful smile. Periodontal treatment can help restore your wellness and preserve your smile for years to come!
If you have gum disease, don’t delay treatment. Call Dr. Nguyen, your Austin dentist, about compassionate periodontal care in Austin, TX. Call The Tooth Inc. at (512) 593-1874 or request your appointment online to start treatment.