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Prevention and Diagnosis of Periodontitis
As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, roughly 50% of Americans aged 30 or above (about 64.7 million individuals) suffer from periodontitis, the advanced variant of gum disease. The sheer volume is not the sole concern; it also happens to be the primary instigator of tooth loss amongst adults. Dr. Ravon is a certified periodontist whose primary area of expertise is gum health. As a dentist, he places a significant emphasis on helping his patients thwart the onset of gum disease in the first place.
If you require a dental cleaning, suspect gum disease, or wish to improve your gum health, kindly inquire for an appointment with Nicolas A. Ravon, DDS, MSD in Fresno, CA. We invite you to call (559) 298-4700 or email us today to schedule an appointment. Thank you.
Periodontal Disease: An Overview
Periodontitis, otherwise known as gum disease, is caused by the growth of bacteria within the oral cavity. When left untreated, it can result in tissue destruction and ultimately lead to tooth loss. The condition progresses through various stages and requires immediate attention from a dental professional.
Gingivitis
Although gingivitis is not technically classified as gum disease, it often precedes it. At this stage, the gums become inflamed, swollen, or irritated, and the space between the teeth and gums deepens, forming a pocket. The gums may appear red and bleed during brushing or flossing. Without intervention, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis.
Periodontitis
When inflammation and infection extend to the bone that holds the teeth, the condition is referred to as periodontitis. Subsequently, the gums will recede from the teeth and contract. The spaces created between the teeth will deepen, making cleaning more challenging. The development or intensification of swelling, redness, and bleeding will persist. Once bone erosion commences, teeth may begin to feel unstable.
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Advanced Periodontitis
As periodontitis progresses, the deep pockets become filled with pus. The gums will also begin to swell around the teeth and the loss of bone will continue. At this stage, teeth will become sensitive to temperature changes or when brushing and flossing. Furthermore, teeth will become loose and might necessitate extraction to prevent the disease from spreading.
Diagnosis
Many patients are often unaware of their gum disease until their routine dental cleaning and examination. During every regular dental examination, your dentist will carefully examine your gums for any signs of inflammation and use a probe to measure the pockets surrounding your teeth. It is important to note that a healthy mouth should have pockets measuring between 1 and 3 millimeters. Following this, your medical history will be discussed, along with any risk factors such as smoking or diabetes applicable to you. Lastly, x-rays will be taken to evaluate any bone loss. In the event of gum disease diagnosis, a periodontist such as Dr. Ravon is available to treat you.
Symptoms
The most effective measure to halt the progress of gum disease is to identify symptoms promptly. Should any of the below symptoms be observed, it is essential to seek the expertise of a periodontist in to preserve dental health.
- Bad breath
- Swollen or red gums
- Tender, bleeding gums
- Painful chewing
- Loose or separating teeth
- Sensitive teeth
- Receding gums
- Change in bite
Treatment for Periodontal Disease
The treatment for your gum disease will depend on the stage it has reached. If you have only developed gingivitis, we recommend undergoing a professional dental cleaning and maintaining a regular at-home care routine in order to eliminate the infection from your mouth. Our treatment options are comprehensive and tailored to your specific needs.
- Scaling and Root Planing
- Chemotherapeutic
- Gum/Tissue Grafts
- Osseous Surgery
- Guided Tissue Regeneration
- Crown Lengthening
- Dental Implant Placement
- Guided Bone Regeneration
- Sinus Augmentation
- Extractions/Ridge Preservation
- Microsurgical Techniques
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Preventing Gum Disease: Tips for Proper Oral Hygiene
While certain individuals may be more predisposed to gum disease due to genetic or health factors, there are numerous preventative measures that can be implemented to avoid its onset.
Oral Hygiene Maintenance – To maintain optimal oral health, it is highly recommended to brush at least twice and floss at least once daily to effectively remove debris and plaque between teeth and the gum line. It is also crucial to brush the tongue to eliminate bacteria.
Utilize Mouthwash – Mouthwash can diminish plaque buildup and aid in the elimination of any residual debris left behind after brushing or flossing.
Understand Your Risk – The likelihood of developing periodontitis is higher as one ages, based on diet, genetics, and habits such as smoking. Determine if you are at increased risk and consider additional protective measures for prevention.
Schedule Regular Dental Check-ups – It is imperative to schedule regular dental check-ups twice a year to receive professional cleanings. These cleanings can effectively eliminate plaque and tartar located on and beneath the gum line, which can potentially lead to gum disease. Additionally, your dentist can identify early warning signs and provide preventative measures to stop the disease from advancing.
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