Snohomish Dentist |Periodontal Services

506889025 Periodontal Disease, otherwise known as gum disease, are infections that affect the tissues that support the teeth. Your teeth are supported by gum tissue, connective fibers that anchor the tooth root into its socket and bone. Periodontal disease is most often preceded by gingivitis, which is a bacterial infection of the gum tissue. An infection affects the gums when the toxins found in plaque begin to irritate and inflame the gum tissues. Periodontal disease has been linked to heart disease, cardiovascular events as well as complicating diabetes.

Types of Periodontal Disease:

Chronic Periodontitis

Inflammation within the supporting tissues cause deep pockets and gum recession. While it appears that gums are lengthening, gums are actually receding.

Aggressive Periodontitis

This form of gum disease occurs in an otherwise clinically healthy individual. It is characterized by rapid loss of gum attachment

Necrotizing Periodontitis

This most often occurs in individuals suffering from systemic conditions such as HIV, immunosuppression and malnutrition.

Treatment Options:

There are many surgical and nonsurgical treatments the periodontist may choose to perform, depending upon the exact condition of the teeth, gums and jawbone. A complete periodontal exam of the mouth will be done before any treatment is performed or recommended.

Here are some of the more common treatments for periodontal disease:

Scaling and root planing – In order to preserve the health of the gum tissue, the bacteria and calculus (tartar) which initially caused the infection, must be removed. The gum pockets will be cleaned and treated with antibiotics as necessary to help alleviate the infection. A prescription mouthwash may be incorporated into daily cleaning routines.

Tissue regeneration – When the bone and gum tissues have been destroyed, regrowth can be actively encouraged using grafting procedures. A membrane may be inserted into the affected areas to assist in the regeneration process.

Pocket elimination surgery – Pocket elimination surgery (also known as flap surgery) is a surgical treatment which can be performed to reduce the pocket size between the teeth and gums. Surgery on the jawbone is another option which serves to eliminate indentations in the bone which foster the colonization of bacteria.

Dental implants – When teeth have been lost due to periodontal disease, the aesthetics and functionality of the mouth can be restored by implanting prosthetic teeth into the jawbone. Tissue regeneration procedures may be required prior to the placement of a dental implant in order to strengthen the bone.

If you are suffering with red, swollen, painful gums, make an appointment today with Ted Haines DDS for treatment. Call 360-568-8577 or visit the website at www.tedhainesdds.com.