If you have bleeding or tender gums, you might have periodontal disease. If you are suffering from periodontal disease, it is important to take action right away, and we can treat it and prevent it at Care Dental Center in Carson.
The term periodontal is simply a technical term that refers to the gum tissue in the mouth. Technically, this term refers to all the structures that help keep the teeth in place, including the bone as well as the gum tissue. But when we talk about periodontal disease, we're usually talking about gum disease.
So what is gum disease? Gum disease is when the gums in the mouth become inflamed, red, and tender due to a chronic infection of bacteria.
Bacteria and humans generally live in a synergistic symbiotic relationship. We will always have bacteria on and in our bodies. The problem is what type of bacteria and how much. There is good bacteria and bad bacteria. The problem is when the bacteria starts to overgrow and take up residence in our gum tissue. This happens due to plaque and tartar, which feed the bacteria. The bacteria secrete acids that make the gums irritated and inflamed. Overtime, this can damage the gum tissue, leading to receding gums.
Receding gums aren't just a cosmetic issue. They are a structural issue. Gums are part of what holds our teeth in place in the mouth. If the gums become damaged, then our teeth can become loose. In severe cases of gum damage, we could lose the teeth entirely.
There are two main stages of periodontal disease. The first is gingivitis, which is a simple inflammation of the gums. When gingivitis progresses, it turns into periodontitis, which is when the inflammation and bacterial infection becomes very acute. Dentists measure the pockets in the gums to determine the stage of periodontal disease. Pockets of three millimeters and less indicate gingivitis when gums are inflamed. Pockets of more than three millimeters indicate periodontitis.
Periodontal disease can create permanent damage in the mouth if it reaches the later stages. This damage can include gum tissue damage and tooth loss, as well as damage to the bone structure of the jaw. Once the tooth is lost, we'll have to replace it with a dental implant or a fixed bridge.
Gum tissue that is damaged can potentially be restored using techniques such as soft tissue gum grafting. Damaged bone can potentially be strengthened with a bone graft. However, we prefer not to get to these stages and treat periodontal disease before it gets that far. If treated early, then the prognosis is quite good.
The best way to mitigate costs with periodontal disease is to prevent it. If periodontal disease is allowed to progress, you can potentially lose gum tissue, teeth, and even bone structure in the jaw. The sooner you come in to get your periodontal disease treated, the better. If you catch it early, gum disease can be easily treated with regular periodontal teeth cleanings. Some of the cost for periodontal teeth cleanings may be covered by dental insurance. Contact our front desk if you have any questions.
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Get help with periodontal disease with the dental experts at Care Dental Center in Carson. Contact us today at (310) 626-0004 to schedule an appointment.
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