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Periodontics
Periodontal simply means "the gum and bone tissue supporting the teeth." Periodontal therapy is the treatment and surgery of this area, which is often characterized as gum disease. Periodontitis (gum with bone disease) is more than gingivitis (inflammation of the gums).
This disease attacks the supporting structures of the teeth, causing inflammation, tooth loss and bone damage. Plaque, a film of bacteria formed on the teeth, forms acids in the mouth by mixing with sugars and starches in the diet; thus, irritating the gum tissue. Gum disease can also be caused by other factors including irregular oral states of harmful habaits, an unbalanced diet and certain medications or diseases.
The effects of gum disease can be damaging to your dental health, as well as your overall health. Periodontal disease is linked to heart disease, stroke and low birth weight in babies. Some effects of gum disease include:
This disease attacks the supporting structures of the teeth, causing inflammation, tooth loss and bone damage. Plaque, a film of bacteria formed on the teeth, forms acids in the mouth by mixing with sugars and starches in the diet; thus, irritating the gum tissue. Gum disease can also be caused by other factors including irregular oral states of harmful habaits, an unbalanced diet and certain medications or diseases.
The effects of gum disease can be damaging to your dental health, as well as your overall health. Periodontal disease is linked to heart disease, stroke and low birth weight in babies. Some effects of gum disease include:
- Swollen or puffy red gums that bleed easily.
- "Long" teeth (receding gum lines expose the root portions of your teeth)
- Discolored or deteriorating tooth structure.
- Gum depressions (voids of gum tissue in between the teeth)
- Tooth loss or mobility
- Bad breath.
The most effective and conservative periodontal therapy procedures performed include but are not limited to:
- Frequent dental cleanings 3-4 times a year.
- Full mouth debridement.
- Periodontal root planing.
- Local delivery of medicaments.
- Periodontal surgery.
- Periodonrtal and soft tissue management, which treats the four stages of the disease:
- Stage 1- Gingivitis
- Stage 2- Mild periodontitis
- Stage 3- Moderate periodontitis
- Stage 4- Severe periodontitis
Dr. Grasso and our hygiene department are available for oral hygiene instruction to all our patients. Please contact our office to inquire and to schedule an appointment for oral hygiene instruction. Proper oral hygiene, daily dental care and regular dental checkups will minimize the risk of this inflammatory disease.
