State of the Art Dental Care
Diagnosis and Treatment of Gum Disease
Diagnosis
During your examination, we go over your health history, do a visual exam and periodontal probing. We will also review current x-rays. A periodontal charting should be performed for all teeth. A periodontal probe, with ruled millimeter markings, is used to measure the depth of the space between the teeth and gums. Ideally, normal measurements range between 1 and 3 millimeters. Depths greater than this may signify the presence of periodontal pockets and associated gum disease. X-rays should be taken to see if bone damage has occurred as a result of the disease process.
The most common type of periodontal disease are GINGIVITIS and PERIODONTITIS
HEALTHY GUMS AND BONE
Gums appear light pink and are sharply defined. Bone completely surrounds the roots of the teeth. Teeth are firmly anchored into the bone.
GINGIVITIS is infection of the gingiva (gum tissue), and is the initial stage of the disease process. Gums become red, swollen and may bleed easily. Underlying bone levels are unaffected.
PERIODONTITIS is classified as being Mild, Moderate or Severe, depending upon the amount of destruction to the gums, ligaments and bone that surround teeth. As the disease progresses, gums separate from the teeth and form gum pockets. These pockets get deeper as more underlying bone is destroyed. Gum pockets will collect increasing amounts of bacterial plaque and calculus (tartar) as the disease process worsens. Teeth will loosen as more bone is lost.
Lower teeth -SEVERE PERIODONTITIS - Upper teeth
CONTRIBUTING FACTORS TO PERIODONTAL DISEASE
The response of the gums and bone to dental plaque may be modified by one or more of the following factors.
* Poorly fitting dental restorations
* Smoking
* Crowded teeth, improper bite alignment
* Clenching or grinding of teeth
* Hormonal changes, including pregnancy, menstruation and menopause
* Diet
* Harmful habits like excessive toothpicking
* Lip and Tongue piercings
* Systemic diseases, including blood disorders and diabetes
* Medications, including calcium channel blockers and anti-convulsants
WARNING SIGNS OF PERIODONTAL DISEASE
* Bleeding gums
* Tenderness, swelling, red color
* Abscess ( pus oozing from the gums )
* Foul odor
* Loose teeth
* Pain
X-rays of Gum Disease Showing Bone Loss
TREATMENT OF PERIODONTAL DISEASE
The main goal of periodontal treatment is eradication of the disease process from the gums, ligaments and bones that surround the teeth, and restoration of health that can be predictably maintained in the future.
The 3 Alternatives
There are 3 methods of treating moderate to advanced gum disease
- Deep cleaning only and maintain the disease as long as possible
-
Deep cleaning followed by gum and bone surgery
- Perolase Laser treatment
1 Deep Cleaning
Method 1...Deep cleaning with anesthetic achieves some initial pocket reduction and reduces bleeding. The problem is it will not arrest the disease in most cases and only delays the needed treatment for a short. the deep cleanings must be repeated at intervals.
See Illustration
*Note our hygienists are the only hygienists in McHenry County certified to provide Laser Bacterial Reduction during your Deep Cleaning and regular checkup appointments to increase the health of your gums.
Click here to learn more about the Diode Laser
2 surgery and deep cleaning
Method 2...Deep Cleaning followed by surgery is very effective at eliminating or controlling the disease in most cases. The drawback is that it is a surgical procedure requiring removal of bone, and soft tissue. Stitches must be placed and there is a prolonged healing. Most often. the teeth appear longer after surgery and can be more sensitive.
See Illustration
3 Periolase Laser Treatment
Method 3...Periolase Laser treatment is just as effective as traditional gum surgery, but is more comfortable and preserves the bone and gum tissue. The initial round of deep cleaning is not performed in advance leading to less visits, less numbing, and lower cost. Healing time is shorter with laser treatment also.
See Illustration
Click here to see a video of the Periolase procedure
Click here to learn more about the Periolase
Click here to learn about gum recession