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The word periodontal means “around the tooth,” meaning the gums and bone that support the teeth.
Periodontal disease occurs when the bacteria that thrive in plaque and tartar (calcified plaque) attack the the gums and bone. Most people are not aware they have periodontal disease because it is painless in its early stages. If periodontal disease is left untreated, it can be linked to other diseases in the body such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, stroke, and increased risk during pregnancy.
Periodontal disease is diagnosed by your dentist and dental hygienist during routine periodontal examinations. A periodontal probe dental instrument is used to measure the space between your teeth and gums. A healthy sulcus will measure three millimeters or less, and will not bleed. The periodontal probe helps to indicate if this pocket is greater than three millimeters. Your dentist and hygienist will use pocket depths, amount of bleeding, inflammation, and tooth mobility to make a diagnosis of either gingivitis or periodontitis (when probing depths exceed the normal range).
Some of the most common signs and symptoms of periodontal disease include:
Healthy gums should never bleed, even when brushing vigorously or flossing. Inflamed gums may appear red and puffy. Loose teeth are caused by the loss of bone and periodontal ligaments around the teeth (fibers that support the tooth to the bone) New spacing observed between teeth is also caused by the loss of bone Caused by the persistent presence of bacteria in the mouth Caused by the loss of bone, as the gums follow the boneBleeding Gums
Loose Teeth
New Spaces
Bad Breath
Receding Gums
Periodontal disease is commonly treated with a mechanical procedure known as scaling and root planing. Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical treatment of gum disease that helps to remove the bacteria, plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth underneath the gums.This procedure will allow the gums to heal and reattach to the clean root surfaces, minimizing spaces that can harbor bacteria. This procedure may take several visits with your hygienist.
Find more information about on our Periodontal Care process by clicking the link below or scheduling an appointment with us today!