Periodontal Care and Treatments

Around the tooth is the meaning of the word periodontal. This condition attacks the gums as well as the bones that support the teeth. The plaque which is a sticky film of saliva, food debris and bacteria forms on the teeth constantly and if it is not removed it can harden into calculus. When plaque and calculus are allowed to accumulate without being removed they begin destroying the gums and the bone. The characterization of periodontal disease is swollen, red, and bleeding gums. 80 percent of people suffer from the periodontal disease without even knowing about it. People are unaware of this condition because it is painless in the early stages. Periodontal disease is the foremost reason for tooth loss. Research conducted suggests it may also have a link between other diseases like strokes, diabetes, bacterial pneumonia, cardiovascular disease and enhanced risks during pregnancy. Smoking also increases the risk of periodontal disease. Periodontal care requires a balanced diet, proper oral hygiene, and regular dental visits because they can help to reduce the risks of developing this condition.

Periodontal Disease — Signs and Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of periodontal disease include the following:

• Bleeding gums: this should not be an occurrence even when you brush vigorously and use dental floss.
• Loose teeth: bone loss or weakened periodontal fibers that support the tooth to the bone leaving you with loose teeth.
• Bone loss causing fresh spaces between the teeth.
• Bacteria in the mouth causing persistent bad breath.
• A sign of infection with pus around the teeth and gums.
• Red and puffy gums which aren't normal.
• Irritation of the gums and teeth caused by bacteria, plaque, and tartar.

Diagnosing Periodontal Disease

A periodontal examination will help your dentist diagnose periodontal disease. This exam should consistently be a part of your routine dental checkup. Small dental instruments are used to gently measure the pockets between the tooth and gums by periodontal care in Calgary. Healthy gums do not bleed during the exam even as the instruments to indicate if the pockets are deeper than three millimeters. The pockets generally begin to deepen as periodontal disease progresses. Your dentist will use the pocket depth, inflammation, tooth mobility and the amount of bleeding to diagnose the condition which will fall into one of the categories mentioned below:

• Gingivitis — This is the initial stage of periodontal disease. In this condition, the gums are irritated by the plaque and its toxins to make them tender, inflamed and likely to bleed.
• Periodontitis — Plaque eventually hardens into tartar and as it continues to buildup the gums begin receding on the teeth. Deeper pockets are formed between the gums and teeth that become filled with bacteria and pus. The gums will become highly irritated and inflamed to bleed easily and slight to moderate bone loss may be present.
• Advanced periodontitis — In this condition, with the destruction of periodontal ligaments, the teeth begin to lose additional support. Unless treated tooth loss can be expected along with moderate to severe bone loss.

The Treatment for Periodontal Disease

Periodontal care in Calgary, AB, will determine the type and severity of the disease before offering different types of periodontal treatments. The condition will be thoroughly evaluated by the dentist for the periodontal disease before recommending the appropriate treatment. Periodontal disease progresses when the pockets between the tooth and gums are contaminated with bacteria, plaque, and tartar to cause irritation to the surrounding tissues. If these irritants are allowed to continue remaining in the pockets they begin causing damage to the gums and eventually the bone that supports the teeth. If the disease is detected in its early stages which are gingivitis without any major damage regular cleanings will be recommended by the dentist. You will also be provided instructions on improving your everyday oral hygiene habits and having dental cleanings regularly. If the condition has progressed to advanced stages you will need a special periodontal cleaning known as scaling and root planing. This procedure is helpful for the gum tissue to heal by causing the pockets to shrink. Periodontal surgery may become necessary if the pockets do not heal after scaling and root planing.

Maintaining Periodontal Care from Home

24 hours is all that is required for plaque to turn into tartar if not removed. Daily cleaning at home can help to control the formation of plaque and tartar but hard to reach areas will need attention from periodontal care in Calgary. It is likely that you will be recommended cleanings up to 4 times a year to remove any buildup of plaque and tartar above and below the gum line.