Pasadena, Deer Park Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease (gum disease) is a progressive disease which destroys gum tissue and jaw bone. If left untreated, periodontal disease can result in loose, unstable teeth, and even tooth loss. Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults in the world and must be treated at the first detection of the disease. The only way to positively diagnosis gum disease is with a periodontal examination. This examination is done at our office on new patients and once yearly at your cleanings.
Periodontal disease starts when the bacterial toxins found in plaque (bacteria colonies that form white sticky aggregate) and start to destroy the gum tissue surrounding the teeth. The bacteria proliferate in the pockets formed from the gum tissue around the teeth. The bacteria quickly grow in number, causing a bacterial infection. As the infection progresses, the gum tissue peels away from the tooth creating a larger pocket that bacteria continue to invade. The infection causes inflammation and destruction of the teeth supporting tissues.
Periodontal Disease Types
There are several varieties of periodontal disease. Thus, there are several ways in which these variations present themselves. All require immediate treatment by Dr. Nugent and his Hygienists to stop the disease and save the gum tissue and bone.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the mildest and most common form of periodontal disease. Poor home care allows plaque to accumulate on the teeth and gum tissue. The bacterial toxins irritate the gum tissue. The tissue around the teeth becomes red and puffy. The gum tissue bleeds when brushed and flossed.
Chronic Periodontal Disease
Chronic Periodontal Disease results in inflammation within the supporting tissues of the teeth with progressive attachment and bone loss It is characterized by pocket formation and recession of the gum tissue. It is prevalent in adults, but can occur at any age. The progression of gum tissue loss usually occurs slowly. However, rapid progression can occur.
Aggressive Periodontal Disease
Aggressive periodontal disease is characterized by the rapid loss of gum tissue and bone tissue. The disease itself is basically the same as chronic periodontal disease but the progression is much faster. Smokers and those with a family history of gum disease are at an increased risk of developing aggressive periodontitis.
Periodontitis as a Manifestation of Systemic Diseases
This often begins at a young age. Systemic conditions such as heart disease, respiratory disease, and diabetes are associated with this form of periodontitis. Even in cases where little plaque coats the teeth, many medical conditions intensify and accelerate the progression of periodontal disease.
Necrotizing Periodontal Disease
Necrotizing periodontal disease is an infection characterized by necrosis (tissue death) of gingival tissues, periodontal ligament and alveolar bone. This disease is most commonly observed in patients with systemic conditions such as HIV infection, malnutrition, immunosuppression, chronic stress and smokers.
Treatment of Periodontal Disease:
Although there are several classifications of gum disease the therapy is the same. For gingivitis, the treatment is a good cleaning with our Hygienist. Then after the cleaning laser decontamination is performed. Patients are encouraged to use an electric tooth brush three times a day, floss daily, and use bacteria killing mouth washes. The other forms of periodontal disease will receive Scaling and Root Planing therapy. Patients will have frequent recalls so that the Hygienists can continue to clean and remove bacteria and calculus from the gum tissue and teeth. Patients are again encouraged to use an electric tooth brush three times a day, floss daily, and use bacteria killing mouth washes. Furthermore, a water pick is recommended for patients that have periodontal disease.
It is important to note that patients are never “cured” of periodontal disease. Patients must become diligent in their home dental health care and continue to have regularly scheduled cleanings. At the cleanings the Hygienist will monitor the health of the gum tissue. If the gum disease is starting to form immediate treatment to halt and arrest the bacterial infection will begin.
Discover why Pasadena and Deer Park residents choose us at their dental office. Visit us at 3421 Burke Rd, Pasadena, Texas 77504.