Periodontal Treatment

The early signs of periodontal disease is often painless, which makes regular examinations crucial! Gum disease (also known as periodontal disease) is an infection caused by the bacteria in plaque. It attacks the bone, ligaments and gums that support your teeth. Early symptoms include red, swollen gums that bleed when brushed or flossed and bad odor or taste in the mouth. Often these symptoms are not noticed by the patient. Non-surgical treatments are very successful for the early stages of gum disease. As infection progresses, supporting jawbone is lost, teeth may drift or loosen and treatment becomes more complex.

The gums and bone are the foundation for the teeth. You would not consider building a nice home on a poor foundation. Before any significant dental treatment is undertaken, it is important to determine the status of the gums and bone that support the teeth. Dr. Ambrochi and her team are here to guide and help you make appropriate choices to meet your goals for oral health and beauty. The longer you wait, the treatment becomes more complex and expensive.

Stages of Gum Disease

1. Healthy Gums

Healthy pink colour
Gum line hugs teeth tightly
No bleeding
2-3mm pockets

2. Gingivitis

May appear inflamed & sensitive to touch
Bleed when brushed or probed
3-4mm pockets
Minor accumulation of plaque and calculus - no loss of bone support

3. Early Periodontitis

Bleeding, puffiness and inflammation more pronounced
Gums begin to separate from tooth
Inflammation reaches bone mild bone loss
Up to 5mm pockets
Unpleasant breath or taste
Evident accumulation of plaque and calculus

4. Moderate Periodontitis

A perio abscess may develop
Gums recede teeth appear longer
Front teeth may drift showing spaces
Bad breath - difficult to clean moderate plaque and calculus
Root surface exposed sensitivity root decay
5-6mm pockets
Bone loss 20-50%

5. Advanced Periodontitis

Loose or drifting teeth
More than 50% bone loss, root may be exposed and are sensitive to hot & cold
Significant plaque and calculus
Leads to tooth loss or decision to remove teeth

Important Information:

Gum disease is the most common dental disease in adults.
Gum disease is the number one cause of tooth loss for adults.
Diagnosed and treated early, gum disease, is relatively easy
     and inexpensive to treat.
Research shows gum disease has detrimental effect on your      general health. It has been linked to heart disease, diabetes,      pregnancy, respiratory diseases, and obesity.
If you control gum disease, you will also prevent most cavity      problems as well.