Severe Gum Disease
Gum disease (a.k.a. periodontal disease; periodontitis)is a common condition that affects the gums and underlying bone. It ranges from relatively minor and reversible in its early stages to severe, requiring immediate treatment. Typically, cases of severe gum disease have gone without treatment for years or decades.
Severe Gum Disease
Gum disease is an infection of the tissues that surround and support the teeth. The infection irritates the tissues and causes several negative consequences. Common signs of severe periodontal disease include:
• Inflamed gums: The gum tissue is irritated, bleeds often, and is discolored.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis): The buildup of bacteria in the mouth creates a persistent odor that can’t be controlled with traditional oral hygiene techniques (brushing and flossing)
• Gum recession: The gum tissue loosens and begins to erode away from the teeth. Eventually, the tooth roots are exposed.
• Loose Teeth: The teeth begin to loosen because the gum tissue is eroding and no longer able to support the teeth.
Bone Loss
Bone loss is among the most concerning consequences of gum disease and, ultimately, what separates severe gum disease from the less serious stages of the disease. Bone loss is significant because, without strong bone, the teeth will loosen and eventually fall out.
Bone loss is also a two-fold problem. Not only does it put your natural teeth at risk, but it may also make dental implants difficult or impossible. As periodontists, we require sufficient bone in order to place the fixture that supports the dental implant. If sufficient bone is not present, we must attempt to create a sturdy foundation by employing a bone graft. Bone grafts interact with the patient’s body, so positive results are not always guaranteed.
Severe Gum Disease Treatment
Severe periodontal disease treatment is all about eliminating the underlying infection and repairing the damage the disease has created. We use traditional periodontal disease surgery or the revolutionary LANAP laser gum disease treatment to eliminate the infection. Through these procedures, we aim to control the infection and effectively stop the negative consequences of gum disease.
Eliminating the infection is just the first step. Next, we must address the damage that has occurred. Typically, we focus on addressing gum recession and bone loss. Common treatments include gum grafts, bone grafts, sinus lifts, and ridge augmentations. These procedures aim to return the mouth as close to its original state as possible.
Periodontal Maintenance
Once the infection has been controlled and the damage addressed, we work with our patients to ensure the infection does not return. Periodontal maintenance and proper gum disease self-care are the two most important components of our combined efforts.
Periodontal maintenance involves regular cleanings (once every 3 - 6 months). During these cleanings, we can thoroughly clean the teeth and gums and ensure that no new problems have emerged.
Gum disease self-care requires the patient to thoroughly clean their mouth at least twice daily. Brushing and flossing help to remove plaque and bacteria, denying gum disease an opportunity to return.
Sacramento Periodontics specializes in severe gum disease treatment
We can help you no matter how severe your gum disease has become. We genuinely care about the well-being of our patients and want to save your teeth. Contact us today to schedule a consultation. Our periodontal professionals will take the time to thoroughly assess your oral health and completely explain your treatment options. By working together, we can get your smile back on track.