Periodontal simply means “the tissue around the teeth.” The gum tissue and bone that surround and support teeth are a vital part of your oral health. Current research links periodontal conditions to body and systemic health: bacteria that cause Periodontal Disease have been shown to be a risk factor for patients suffering from heart disease and diabetes.
Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in the United States. Its progression begins when plaque slips beneath the gums and combines with bacteria to create infection. Left untreated, the infection continues its destructive path and penetrates bone. With the loss of bony retention, teeth will become loose and eventually cannot be saved.
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
Periodontal disease does not typically "hurt" and in dentistry is commonly known as the "silent disease". Often patients postpone necessary treatment as a result.
We take the health of your gum and bone tissues very seriously. Our doctors will examine and measure your gum tissues and review bone levels on xrays to detect periodontal disease in its early stages.
Bone loss is also a significant consideration in determining the outcome of cosmetic treatment. The destruction of periodontal disease can have unpredictable effects on the appearance and longevity of cosmetic restorations.
Common Treatments for Periodontal Disease:
Non-surgical care. Our doctors and hygienists may recommend root planing and scaling procedures, in which the area beneath the gums is carefully cleaned to remove infected tissue and reduce bacteria levels. This procedure is usually performed with local anesthetic to maintain patient comfort. We combine this therapy with an aggressive home care routine, as well as follow up visits as needed to get periodontal disease under control.
Antibiotic Irrigation. Often used in conjunction with non-surgical treatment; medicated irrigation or mouth rinses may be used at home or in our office. These medications control bacteria that cause periodontal disease to help promote healing of gum tissue following periodontal procedures.
Referral to a Periodontal Specialist. Periodontists specialize in the treatment and surgery of gum tissue and bone. Our doctors refer patients that require surgery or cases of advanced periodontitis to these specialists and work closely with them to achieve the best possible outcomes for individual dental health and restorative needs.
Periodontal Maintenance. Once your mouth is restored to a manageable state, it is important that you make a commitment to maintain your dental health. To achieve this, it is important that you return on a regular basis for examination, scaling, root planing and cleaning and polishing procedures. Doctors Bragg and Moody and our Hygiene Team will inform you of the re-care interval that best meets your needs.
Plaque is the most common contributing factor of gum disease. Proper oral hygiene, daily dental care, and regular dental check-ups will help minimize the risk of gum disease.
Take control of your oral health. Contact our office for a periodontal evaluation today!
Dr. Jennifer Sherwood Bragg and Dr. Kära Keel Moody are general dentists practicing in Cumming, GA and serving Forsyth county and surrounding
North Georgia communities. Their services include porcelain crowns, veneers, dental implants and a complete range of preventive and restorative dental treatments.
