Periodontal Disease Treatment (Gum Disease)

Periodontal disease, periodontitis, and gum disease are all phrases used to describe an infection in the gums and bone surrounding your teeth. Healthy bone and gum structures help keep a tooth’s root intact. When food and plaque get trapped between the gums and teeth, it can lead to infection, resulting in gum disease.

Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums and one of the earliest stages of gum disease. Common symptoms of gingivitis include minor redness, swelling, or light bleeding of the gums. If left untreated, gingivitis turns into a more serious infection known as periodontal disease, which can lead to permanent structural damage.

Identifying gum disease as early as possible is crucial to preventing bone and tooth loss. To determine if you have periodontitis, and its severity, we will:

1. Review your medical history. Certain risk factors, such as genetics, taking certain medications or smoking, can increase the likelihood of gum disease.
2. Exam your teeth and gums.  If you have severe plaque/tartar build up or your gums bleed easily are both indicators that disease is present.
3. Measure gum pocket depth. We place a dental probe between your teeth and gums, throughout different areas within your mouth.
   • 1-3 mm is a healthy and normal gum pocket depth
   • 3-5 mm is early or mild periodontitis
   • 5-7 mm is moderate periodontitis
   • 7-10 mm is advanced periodontitis
4. Take x-rays of your mouth. Dental x-rays can reveal if you’ve suffered any bone loss in areas where deeper gum pocket depths are present.

This disease is common but it is preventable. It is typically a result of poor oral hygiene, such as not flossing and brushing twice a day or getting regular dental checkups. Learn more about the causes, symptoms, and treatment methods below.