Periodontal Disease

Periodontal simply means “the tissue around the teeth.” Plaque is the most common element causing gum disease.

Unfortunately, periodontal-related problems are often discovered after they have persisted for an extended period of time. Proper oral hygiene, daily dental care and regular dental check-ups will minimize the risk of gum disease. Gum disease ranges from mild (gingivitis) to severe (periodontitis). Treatments are available for every case of gum disease.

Common problems associated with gum disease:

“Long” teeth (receding gum lines expose the root portions of your teeth)
Discolored or deteriorating tooth structure
Gum depressions (holes in between the teeth in the gum tissue)
Infected gum line (discoloration or inflammation of the gum tissue)
Tooth loss or tooth movement

The effects of gum disease can be damaging to your dental health. However, through proper preventive care and oral hygiene, you can avoid problems associated with gum disease.

Periodontal treatment methods depend upon the type and severity of the disease. With more severe periodontal disease the dentist might suggest a special cleaning, called scaling and root planing. Medications to help control infection can be treated with an antibiotic called Arestin. Arestin is placed directly into the infected periodontal pocket by your dentist or dental hygienist. If deep pockets develop and do not heal after scaling and root planing, periodontal surgery may be needed to reduce the pocket depth and make teeth easier to clean. This type of surgery requires the attention of a periodontist.