Gum Disease - Periodontal 

 

Gum disease results from many factors such as hygiene habits, genetic factors, medications, smoking etc... The best prevention as we are sure you've been told many times is proper brushing, flossing, bi-annual cleanings and yearly exams. The stages of periodontal disease are detailed below and as you will see, it has probably the most devastating effect on your mouth over any other dental condition. Think of building a house on quick sand - if the ground is not solid, the building will crumble. Periodontal disease has a similar effect - it destroys the bone support of your teeth. At Old Hook Dental, our aim is always to take preventative steps to ensure you don't reach any stage other than healthy. If the condition has already progressed into the periodontitis stage, we can provide treatments such as Scaling & Root Planning, apply medication directly to the affected areas and/or use our laser to obliterate bacteria. Our ultimate goal is to remove diseased tissue, promote new healthy tissue and stop the disease from progressing. During your routine hygiene appointments, the health of your gums and bone support will be checked, good hygiene habits reinforced and of course, a cleaning is provided.  

Signs and Symptoms of Periodontitis (Gum disease) : 

Healthy :  

  • Gums have a nice smooth surface and healthy pink color
  • The gum line hugs the teeth tightly around the visible portion
  • No bleeding on brushing, flossing or probing
  • No bad breath or taste is noted

 

Gum disease, periodontal disease, periodontitis, gingivitis, dental cleaning, Old Hook Dental, Dr. Philip Aurbach

Gingivitis :

  • Gums bleed easily when you brush or when probed during examination
  • Gums are inflamed and sensitive to touch
  • Possible bad breath and bad taste may be noted
  • Gums between teeth may look bluish-red in color

 

Gingivitis Old Hook Dental

Early Periodontitis :

  • Gums may begin to pull away from the teeth (recession)
  • Bleeding, puffiness and inflammation are more pronounced
  • Bad breath and taste are present
  • Slight loss of bone (mainly horizontally) is visible on X-ray
  • Pockets of 3-4mm between teeth and gums in one or more areas of the mouth

 

Periodontitis Old Hook Dental

Moderate Periodontitis : 

  • Gum boils or abscesses may develop
  • Teeth may appear longer as gums begin to recede 
  • Front teeth may begin to drift, showing spaces or black triangles
  • Bad breath and taste is present
  • Both horizontal and angular bone loss is visible on X-ray
  • Pockets between teeth and gums range from 4-6mm deep

 

Moderate Periodontitis Old Hook Dental

Advanced Periodontitis : 

  • Teeth may become mobile or loose (the risk of losing teeth is high)
  • Bad breath and taste are now constant
  • Roots of teeth may be exposed and become sensitive to hot and cold
  • Severe horizontal and angular bone loss visible on X-ray
  • Pockets between teeth and gums are now in excess of 6+mm deep
  • If no treatment is sought, tooth loss is imminent 
  • This stage will require treatment from a specialist

 

Advanced Periodontitis Old Hook Dental