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Gum disease is often called the "silent disease" because it doesn't usually cause many symptoms early on. By the time people notice the signs, the disease would have already progressed significantly. If caught early and treated well, gum disease can be completely reversed to its healthy state. However, advanced gum disease needs more intensive treatment.
This article discusses options for advanced degenerative gum disease treatment, also known as periodontitis. For information on treating early gum disease, please read our article "Effective Gum Disease Treatment Guide: Kiss Gingivitis Goodbye"
What is Periodontitis?
Gum disease can be broadly classified into gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis refers to inflammation that affects only the gum tissue. But if not treated promptly, gingivitis can progress to involve deeper structures that support the teeth, leading to periodontitis.
The term 'periodontal' relates to the structures surrounding and supporting teeth such as bone, gums, and connecting fibres. Therefore, periodontitis or periodontal disease specifically indicates inflammation affecting these supportive structures.
Periodontitis is a serious gum infection that occurs when plaque and tartar build-up along the gum line, causing the gums to become inflamed and pull away from your teeth. This exposes the roots and increases the risk of periodontal issues.
Symptoms of periodontitis may include:
- Gums that bleed during brushing
- Gums that are red, swollen or tender
- Persistent bad breath
- Gum recession, exposing tooth roots
- Formation of pockets or abscesses in the gums
- Pus or discharge between teeth and gums
- Spaces appearing between teeth
- Teeth that feel loose or shift, with noticeable gaps
- Changes in how teeth fit together when you bite
How does degenerative gum disease affect our general health?
Periodontitis is a degenerative gum disease and is a concerning condition that can impact overall health if left untreated. The inflammation caused by bacteria in the gums can have far-reaching effects on your general well-being. Over the years, research has shown that people with periodontal disease are at a higher risk for various serious conditions such as:
Heart Disease
Bacteria or toxins from infected gums can enter the bloodstream, potentially leading to artery blockages and poor heart health.
Pregnancy
Studies have found that pregnant women with periodontal disease are more likely to have preterm births.
Diabetes
There's a two-way relationship between diabetes and periodontitis. Diabetes can worsen gum disease, and periodontitis can make it harder to manage diabetes.
Related Articles
- Exploring Gum Disease Causes, Signs and Symptoms in 2024
- How To Cure Periodontitis Gum Disease At Home: What Works?
What are the treatment options for degenerative gum disease?
The goal of treatment for periodontitis is to thoroughly clean the gum pockets around the teeth and prevent any further damage to the surrounding gum tissue and bone. Combining professional treatment with a strict daily oral care routine significantly increases the chances of success.
a) Non-surgical treatments
If your periodontitis isn’t too advanced, it can be managed with less invasive procedures. These include:
- Scaling — Treatments like scaling and root planing are often required. Maintaining a healthy immune system is also crucial in combating the bacteria that cause gum disease.
- Root Planing — Smooths the root surfaces of your teeth, helping to remove plaque and tartar, reduce inflammation and help the gums reattach to the teeth.
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Antibiotics — Helps control bacterial infection. Click here to read our article on how antibiotics can help cure gum disease.
b) Surgical treatments
For more advanced periodontitis, dental surgery might be necessary to address the issue effectively:
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Flap Surgery — The doctor makes small cuts in the gums to lift them back, exposing the roots of the teeth and the bone. These areas are then cleaned thoroughly and the gum is stitched back into place. This reduces gum pocket depth, making it easier for the patient to keep the area clean and maintain gum health.
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Soft Tissue Grafts — If you have gum recession, tissue is taken from another area and attached to the affected site to prevent further gum loss and improve the look of your gums.
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Bone Grafting — Bone or bone-substitute materials are placed in areas where bone loss has occurred around your teeth to help regenerate bone.
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Guided Tissue Regeneration — A small mesh-like material is placed between the bone and gum tissue. This prevents the gum tissue from growing into areas where bone should be, allowing the bone and connective fibers to regrow properly.
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Laser Treatment — This advanced technique uses lasers to remove inflamed gum tissue and tartar. At Dental Designs, we offer LANAP (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure), which helps manage periodontitis with less discomfort and faster recovery times.
c) Regular recall visits
Regularly having your gums checked by your dentist every three months is a critical part of effectively treating degenerative gum diseases like periodontitis. Even with intensive treatment, some bacteria can persist and re-enter the gum pockets around the teeth. Studies have shown that within just 90 days, these bacteria can double in number, leading to increased damage and inflammation!
This is why regular and frequent dental treatments are essential because they enable us to actively manage and reduce the levels of harmful bacteria in your gums. By intervening regularly, we can disrupt the cycle of bacterial growth. This proactive approach helps prevent infections from re-establishing themselves and significantly lowers the chances of recurring gum disease.
We can work together to effectively manage your gum disease and promote lasting oral health!
Conclusion
Good oral hygiene, such as regularly brushing your teeth, is essential in preventing the progression of this condition. If left untreated, periodontitis can severely damage the gums and teeth, leading to the need for periodontal treatment.
Once advanced periodontitis develops, it cannot be reversed. If you notice early signs of gum disease such as bleeding gums when you brush or floss, red and inflamed gums or persistent bad breath, it's crucial not to ignore them. Gum disease is degenerative but addressing these signs promptly with proper dental care can prevent gingivitis from progressing to more severe periodontitis.
Ready for a gum health check up? Just drop us a message to book an appointment!
References
- Jain N, Jain GK, Javed S, Iqbal Z, Talegaonkar S, Ahmad FJ, Khar RK. Recent approaches for the treatment of periodontitis. Drug Discov Today. 2008 Nov;13(21-22):932-43. doi: 10.1016/j.drudis.2008.07.010. Epub 2008 Sep 26. PMID: 18789399.
- Seymour RA. Is gum disease killing your patient? Br Dent J. 2009 May 23;206(10):551-2. doi: 10.1038/sj.bdj.2009.472. PMID: 19461642.