Perio, also known as Periodontics, is a branch of dental medicine that deals with gum disease. .

What is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is caused by the buildup of plaque and tartar on your teeth. This buildup irritates your gums, eventually leading to gum disease. Gum disease is characterized by red or swollen gums that bleed frequently when brushed. If left untreated, the disease will cause receding gums, gum recession, and other oral health problems.

What are the signs and symptoms of periodontal disease?

The most common symptoms associated with gum disease are red, swollen gums that bleed when you brush or floss your teeth. You may also experience persistent bad breath that doesn’t go away on its own. If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. Early intervention is critical for preventing further damage to the teeth and supporting tissues.

Gum disease is preventable with consistent care at home and professional cleanings. Periodontal maintenance visits every three to four months helps protect your teeth and gums from the development of more serious conditions such as tooth loss and bone loss.

Dr. Smith is an experienced periodontist who provides treatment for gum disease in Richardson, Texas. To schedule an appointment, call [practice_phone]. For more information about our services, visit our website at [practice_website] or call us at [practice_phone].

@article{PerioMedicine, author = "Dr. Smith", title = "What are the signs and symptoms of periodontal disease?", journal = "YourDentalHealth.com", url = " year = "2018" }

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How is periodontal disease diagnosed?

The only way to know for sure that you do have periodontal disease is to have a periodontist or general dentist diagnose your condition through an oral exam, detailed history, and X-ray imaging. During the oral exam, your practitioner will probe around each of your teeth and examine your gums for signs of swelling, redness, bleeding, loose teeth, or receding gums. All of these signs can point to periodontal disease. Your mouth will also be checked for odor, sores, and other signs of infection. Because the symptoms of periodontal disease can be similar to those associated with other oral health conditions, it’s important to visit a dentist skilled in diagnosing the disorder to make an accurate diagnosis.

If your dentist suspects you may have periodontal disease, they may refer you to a periodontist for further evaluation and treatment. Diagnosing periodontal disease requires specialized training beyond standard dentistry. Your periodontist will use X-rays to evaluate the areas below the gum line and determine whether there is any bone loss present. This will help them determine the extent of the disease as well as the best method of treatment.

The X-ray images will allow the periodontist to determine whether there is bone loss occurring as a result of periodontal disease. If there is bone loss, this will likely require surgical intervention in addition to non-surgical treatments like scaling and root planing. Bone loss can cause the teeth to become mobile, which can make restorative procedures more difficult to complete successfully. In severe cases of bone loss, the tooth may need to be extracted to prevent future complications like tooth pain, abscesses, and further tooth loss. This is why it’s vital to visit a dentist experienced with diagnosing and treating periodontal issues as soon as possible after symptoms begin to begin treatment as soon as possible.

It’s also important to see a dentist as soon as you notice symptoms of periodontal disease. Early intervention can help save natural teeth

What treatments are available for periodontal disease?

If you experience the symptoms of gum disease, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible to reduce the progression and severity of the disease. Together, you and your dentist can create a custom treatment plan to restore your mouth to a healthy state.

Scaling and Root Planing - Scaling is the deepest cleaning you can get from your routine cleanings. It involves removing plaque, tartar and bacteria below the gumline, where regular brushing and flossing can’t reach. Scaling is typically performed every three to four months to treat early signs of gum disease.

Pocket Reduction Surgery - If gum disease has progressed past scaling and root planing and pockets of bacteria and tartar have spread below your gum line, pocket reduction surgery can help restore your gums to their healthy state. During this procedure, your dentist will fold back the gum tissue and remove the bacteria underneath. The gums are then sutured back into place to reduce the depth of the pockets. In some cases, dentists will also cover the roots of the teeth with biocompatible materials to prevent bacteria growth in the future.

Soft-Tissue Grafts - When there is significant bone loss as a result of advanced gum disease, soft-tissue grafts may be necessary to restore the mouth to its original state. During a soft tissue graft, a small portion of tissue is taken from the roof of the mouth or another source and stitched over areas where the gums have suffered damage. This restores the gumline and protects the root structures from decay.

Bone Grafts - When teeth have been lost to periodontitis, it may be necessary to perform a bone graft before dental implants can be placed. During the bone graft process, artificial bone

How can you prevent periodontal disease?

Prevention is key when it comes to having a healthy smile. That includes daily oral care with brushing, flossing and using mouthwash. Additionally, making regular trips to the dentist for checkups and cleanings are also important. Depending on your risk level for periodontitis, your dentist may also recommend additional steps. These include scaling, root planing or more advanced gum treatments such as laser therapy or tissue grafting. These procedures are designed to remove plaque beneath the gum line where traditional cleaning methods can’t reach it. With a successful deep cleaning, you are less likely to need other periodontal treatment in the future.

Make sure you brush twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle toothpaste like Colgate Total® Daily RepairTM to help prevent gum disease. Flossing is also important, so try to floss at least once a day. Avoid tobacco and limit your consumption of sugary foods and beverages to protect your teeth from decay. If you already suffer from gum disease, your dentist may recommend that you rinse with a prescription mouthwash containing an antimicrobial ingredient to help fight the bacteria that cause gingivitis and reduce plaque buildup. In some cases, antibiotics may also be used to reduce inflammation in the gums and prevent bacteria from spreading. Laser therapy can also be used to kill bacteria and stimulate healing in the tissues.

- The Editors at Everyday Health

Author Bio

Dr. Shawna Hudson is a practicing general and cosmetic dentist in Independence, Ohio. Her practice focuses on family dentistry with an emphasis on prevention and conservative treatment options. She earned her dental degree from the Ohio State University College of Dentistry and is an active member of several professional organizations. She loves being able to build relationships with her patients and help them develop lifelong dental health. When she isn’t busy improving smiles, she enjoys traveling and watching sports with her family.