Periodontics Specialist

How are patients screened for periodontal disease?

Patients are screened for periodontal disease during their regularly scheduled exams. To screen for gum disease, the dentist uses a special tool to measure and record inflammation in the gums. The diagnostic procedure is simple and generally painless. Periodic screening is especially important as it improves the chances of successful treatment by allowing for earlier diagnosis and intervention.

How many adults have periodontal disease?

Gum disease is considered very common among adults. Three out of 4 adults suffer from gum disease at some time during their life. As a matter of fact, patients over 35 years old are more likely to lose a tooth to gum disease than from cavities.

What are the signs and symptoms of gum disease?

Many patients have no symptoms during early stages of gum disease. As the disease progresses, the following symptoms may be present:

• Red gum tissue - healthy tissue ranges from light pink to dark pink, but red tissue is a sign of infection in the gums
• Inflammation – healthy gums are flat, while inflamed gums can appear to be bulging or swollen
• Bleeding gums – healthy gums shouldn’t bleed; gums that bleed while brushing or flossing are indication of an underlying problem
• Receding gum line – patients with periodontal disease may experience a receding gum line, in which their tissue recedes to reveal the root of the tooth
• Loose teeth – teeth that are mobile can be an indication of unhealthy supporting tissue
• Bad breath – the bacteria that cause gum disease can also cause halitosis

What causes gum disease?

Gum disease occurs when the bacteria that normally exist in the mouth cause infection in the gums. Inadequate oral hygiene can contribute to the development of gingivitis and periodontitis.

What are the risk factors for gum disease?

Those at highest risk are:

• Those who smoke now or have in the past
• Women and girls
• Those with diabetes
• Those who have other chronic diseases
• Those who take medications that cause dry mouth
• Those who are more susceptible genetically

What treatment is available?

There are several treatments available and offered at Lake Success Dental Care. Patients can avoid surgery through non-surgical periodontal treatment, including:

• Dental cleaning, in which plaque and tartar are removed from the surface of the teeth, both above and below the gum line
• Scaling and root planing, a non-surgical procedure in which the patient is numb and calculus (calcified bacterial matter) is removed, allowing the gums to reattach to the tooth
• Non-surgical antibiotic treatment, a very effective treatment in which staff place antibiotics under the gum tissue to treat infection

Sometimes severe cases require surgical treatment, including bone and tissue grafts.