What Is Periodontal Disease?
Gum (periodontal) disease is a condition of inflammation in the gums, which may lead to serious damage to your mouth. There are several stages of periodontal disease that range from mild to advanced. The first phase is gingivitis, which is brought on by a buildup of plaque under the gumline. Without treatment, gingivitis may progress into the second stage, known as periodontitis, which impacts the bone and fibers that hold your tooth roots. Advanced periodontitis is the final phase of gum disease, which can cause loose or lost teeth. To deal with gum disease, we provide both surgical and nonsurgical treatment options depending on the seriousness of the disease, such as antibiotics, scaling and root planing, gum surgery, gum tissue grafting, and extractions. If you have symptoms of periodontal disease, get in touch with our office in Saginaw, MI to schedule an exam and consultation at Benjamin Lievense, DDS PLLC.
How Is Periodontal Disease Treated?
Periodontal disease treatments will be determined by the seriousness of the disease. After it is determined you have periodontal disease, we will go over suggestions for treatment. In cases caught early, scaling and root planing (SRP) are usually done to deep clean the gum pockets. In more serious cases, antibiotics can be taken in addition to multiple SRP procedures. Severe cases of gum disease will generally require a surgical procedure, like regenerative (grafting) or pocket reduction.
What Are the Symptoms of Periodontal Disease?
Although you may not notice any changes in the look and feel of your teeth, gum disease may still be causing significant issues in your mouth. Gum disease not only interferes with your oral health, but it can impact your general health and be linked to several serious systemic medical conditions. Some of the common signs of periodontal infections include:
- Loose teeth
- Bleeding gums
- Sore, swollen, or red gums
- Spaces between the teeth near the gums
- Tooth sensitivity
- Longer-looking teeth
- Gum recession
- Pus between the teeth and gums
- Changes in teeth positioning or bite
- Deep pocketing surrounding the teeth
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Frequently Asked Questions
What causes periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is primarily caused by plaque buildup on the teeth and gums. Poor oral hygiene practices, such as inadequate brushing and flossing, can accumulate harmful bacteria in the mouth, triggering an inflammatory response. Other risk factors that can contribute to the development of periodontal disease include smoking, genetics, hormonal changes, stress, and underlying health conditions like diabetes. Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings at Benjamin Lievense, DDS PLLC in Saginaw, MI can help prevent and detect early signs of periodontal disease.
Can gum disease be cured?
Early-stage gum disease, known as gingivitis, can often be reversed with professional dental cleanings, improved oral hygiene practices, and regular check-ups. However, once gum disease progresses to periodontal disease, it cannot be completely cured. Don't let that discourage you, however, as you can prevent periodontal disease from worsening and effectively manage it through proper treatment from Benjamin Lievense, DDS PLLC.
Will I lose my teeth if I have periodontal disease?
If left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss by damaging the gums, ligaments, and jawbone that support your teeth. Seeking timely treatment is essential to help preserve your natural teeth. At Benjamin Lievense, DDS PLLC, we offer a range of periodontal treatments, including antibiotics, scaling and root planing, and more, to effectively manage gum disease and protect your oral health.
Identify and Treat Gum Disease
Gum disease will continue to progress without the proper treatment so it's crucial to seek expert help as soon as any signs occur. At Benjamin Lievense, DDS PLLC, we work with you to renew your gums and avoid future cases of infection. If you would like more information or to schedule a consultation, please get in touch with our practice in Saginaw, MI.