Bayview Village Dental

Gum Disease Treatment (Periodontal Therapy)

Healthy gums are important to your overall oral health, since they form the foundation for a healthy mouth. Gum disease may manifest itself in swollen gums that are tender or bleed easily when you brush your teeth, or it may be painless and you may have no noticeable symptoms. Studies have shown that 60% of adults have moderate to severe gum disease (Periodontal Disease). One way to prevent oral disease is to remove harmful plaque and tartar (calculus) both above and below the gum line. You may also be given special instructions on brushing or flossing to keep clean the areas where we found significant buildup.

before1
This patient has Periodontitis. Notice the bone deterioration and uneven level of bone.

before1
Healthy gums and bone.

Adult gum disease is not always painful and can progress slowly. You may not even be aware of it until the advanced stages, when a tooth is in danger of being lost. Check your gums thoroughly and regularly. It is also important to go for regular checkups (at an interval determined through collaboration with your oral health professional, based on your own needs). Your dental hygienist can detect the early stages of gum disease, when it is the easiest to treat.

We offer the following periodontal therapy services:
• Charting and Diagnostic Services
• In-office non-surgical periodontal therapy

Warning Signs of Periodontal Disease:
• Gums that bleed when you brush or floss your teeth
• Gums that are red, swollen or tender
• Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
• Infection; including purulence (pus) between the teeth and gums when pressure is applied to the gums.
• Permanent teeth that are loose or separating.
• Any changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite.
• Any changes in the fit of your partial denture
• Bad breath

Consequences of not committing to recommended Periodontal Therapy:
• The gums may feel irritated, appear bright red, bleed easily and become painful.
• Periodontal condition may worsen by the inflammation of the gums, progressing into, and
destroying the deeper underlying structures and bone.
• Bacteria (plaque and calculus “tarter”) will accumulate below the gum line, increasing the
risk of further bone loss and recession.
• The teeth may become loose and need to be removed.
• The overall health of the oral cavity will deteriorate.
• Gum disease can increase the risk of stroke by over 50% in adults.
• Diabetics are more likely to develop gum diseases and gum diseases also aggravates their diabetes.
• Severe gum disease can bring about heart disease.
• Pregnant women with sever gum disease are more likely to have premature babies.