Periodontal Disease Treatment in Burtonsville, MD
Gum disease is a serious condition that affects people from all walks of life. Endres Dental Care provides periodontal services for all stages of gum disease to restore your oral health.
Proactive Gum Disease Treatment in Burtonsville, MD
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease or periodontitis, is an infection of the gums and bone supporting the teeth. It develops when plaque and food debris trap bacteria between the gums and teeth, leading to inflammation and infection. Healthy gums and bone are essential for keeping tooth roots stable.
Gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease, causes redness, swelling and light bleeding. If untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, which may cause lasting damage to gum and bone tissue.
Nearly half of adults experience periodontitis, often due to poor oral hygiene and plaque buildup. If not treated, it can lead to bone loss and tooth loss.
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What are the signs of periodontal disease or gum disease?
Early signs of periodontitis include gum irritation, discomfort or bleeding during brushing, flossing or professional cleanings. If untreated, gums begin to recede, forming periodontal pockets that trap harmful bacteria. Dentists measure these pocket depths to assess disease severity and guide treatment. As the condition progresses, it can reach the jawbone, leading to bone loss and tooth loss.
Common symptoms include:
- Gum recession
- Teeth appearing longer
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Pain while chewing
- Gaps between teeth
- Deep gum pockets
- Bone loss on X-rays
- Heavy tartar buildup
- Bad breath
- Bleeding during oral care
- Red, swollen gums
Note: Tobacco users may not show typical signs like bleeding or swelling, even with active disease.
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How is periodontal disease treated?
Periodontal (gum) disease is treated based on its severity, typically through scaling and root planing or bone grafting.
Scaling and root planing is the standard treatment for early to moderate periodontitis. It involves cleaning below the gum line to remove plaque, tartar and bacteria, then smoothing the tooth roots to prevent buildup. This helps gums heal and reattach to the teeth.
Bone grafting is used when gum disease has damaged the jawbone. The dentist surgically applies proteins and bone-like material to the affected areas to encourage new bone growth. This procedure is often needed to restore bone strength for future dental implants.
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How do I know if I have gum disease?
Early signs of gum disease include red, swollen gums, bleeding during brushing or flossing, and untreated gingivitis. In advanced stages, it can cause tooth loss and exposed roots. Without proper treatment, periodontitis can lead to permanent tooth loss.
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What causes gum disease?
Gum disease is typically caused by one of three conditions. The most common is chronic periodontitis, which results from poor oral hygiene. Bacteria under the gum line harden into tartar, leading to inflammation, gum damage and bone loss if untreated. Aggressive periodontitis, likely genetic, progresses rapidly and can appear in children. The rarest form, necrotizing periodontal disease, affects those with immune disorders or chronic illnesses, damaging tissue and bone due to poor blood flow.
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What is gum recession?
Gum recession affects about half of Americans over 50 but can also occur in younger people. Genetics, naturally thin gums or external factors like aggressive brushing, trauma, surgery or poorly fitting partials can all contribute.
If a tooth looks longer or you feel sensitivity while brushing or flossing, you may have gum recession. A minor procedure can treat it by grafting tissue from your palate to cover the exposed area, protecting the tooth from further damage. This can be done for one or several teeth as needed.
More questions?
If you have any questions about periodontal disease (gum disease) treatment, please contact our office, and we will be happy to discuss further.
