Protecting the foundation of your smile
Periodontal disease attacks the gums and the bone that support your teeth. Plaque — a sticky film of food debris, bacteria, and saliva — hardens into calculus when it isn't removed, and together they begin to destroy the gums and bone. The disease shows up as red, swollen, and bleeding gums.
It's the number-one reason for tooth loss, and research suggests links between gum disease and conditions such as stroke, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and pregnancy complications. Smoking also increases your risk. Good oral hygiene, a balanced diet, and regular dental visits go a long way toward prevention.
Diagnosis
Periodontal disease is diagnosed during a periodontal examination, which should always be part of your regular check-up. We gently use a periodontal probe to measure the sulcus between your tooth and gums. A healthy sulcus measures three millimeters or less and doesn't bleed; as disease progresses, the pockets get deeper. Findings generally fall into three categories:
- Gingivitis
- Periodontitis
- Advanced periodontitis
Treatment
Treatment depends on the type and severity of the disease. If it's caught early at the gingivitis stage, one to two regular cleanings — plus improved home care — may be all that's needed. If it has advanced, a deeper cleaning called scaling and root planing is recommended, usually one quadrant at a time while the area is numb. Tartar, plaque, and toxins are removed from above and below the gum line, and rough root surfaces are smoothed.
Maintenance
Once treatment is complete, we'll recommend regular maintenance cleanings — usually four times a year. At each visit we carefully check pocket depths to make sure they stay healthy and remove buildup that's hard to reach at home.