What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is when the gums around the tooth become diseased. Plaque, the sticky white substance that forms around the teeth, harbors bacteria that cause the gums to peel away from the tooth. When plaque moves under the gums, it calcifies into tartar, which is also full of bacteria. The body's response to this bacteria and the enzymes produced by the bacteria can dissolve the bone, leading to full-on periodontal disease.
What are the symptoms of periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease often has no symptoms until it has progressed significantly. As the gums peel away from the tooth, abnormal tissue grows inside the gums, which does not reattach to the tooth. This process is usually painless, allowing the disease to worsen unnoticed. By the time pain occurs, the disease is often too advanced for effective treatment, making regular dental check-ups crucial for early detection and management.
What other conditions are connected to periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is connected to various systemic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, early Alzheimer's, and birth defects. This underscores the importance of oral health, as the mouth is the gateway to the entire body. Healthy gums are foundational to overall well-being.
Can periodontal disease be cured?
Unfortunately, periodontal disease cannot be cured. However, it can go into remission with proper maintenance, much like cancer. Regular dental visits and appropriate care can keep the disease in check, but neglecting oral health can lead to a relapse, often more severe than before.
What treatment options are available for fighting periodontal disease?
Early detection of periodontal disease allows for less invasive treatments. This might involve deeper cleanings, sometimes requiring numbing. In severe cases, treatments aim to regrow lost bone to prevent tooth loss. The earlier the disease is caught, the less intensive the treatment required.
Are teeth cleaning and periodontal treatment painful?
In most cases, periodontal treatments are not painful. Specialized processes, including special rinses, tools that reduce sensitivity, and lasers, ensure that patients can receive the necessary treatment comfortably.
How can I schedule a dental appointment?
If you notice signs of gum disease, such as bleeding gums or bad breath, it's essential to schedule a dental appointment. You can call our office at (210) 972-0768 to get an assessment of your gums and determine the best treatment. Our office measures your gums at every cleaning appointment to catch any early signs of gum disease and address them promptly.
Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss but is entirely preventable with proper care and early detection. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (210) 972-0768.
Periodontal disease, known as gum disease, poses a significant threat not just to your oral health but also to your overall well-being. At Inspire Dental, we understand that the health of your gums is critical to maintaining a healthy mouth, making gum health our priority. The onset of periodontal disease occurs when the gums surrounding your teeth become infected and diseased. This condition typically stems from dental plaque—a sticky substance that accumulates on and around the teeth, hosting harmful bacteria that lead to inflammation and deterioration of gum tissue.
One of the insidious aspects of periodontal disease is that often there are no noticeable symptoms until it reaches an advanced stage. As plaque builds up and transforms into tartar—a hardened version of plaque—the gums begin to pull away from the teeth. This creates pockets that harbor even more harmful bacteria and inhibit the gums from reattaching to the teeth. In many cases, patients only realize the severity of their gum issue when pain and tooth mobility become apparent, often indicating that the disease has progressed beyond the point of simple intervention.
Early detection is key to successful outcomes in periodontal health management. At Inspire Dental, we emphasize the importance of regular dental checkups to catch signs of gum disease early. Our dedicated team is committed to providing patient-centered dental care, where compassionate professionals monitor your oral health proactively. Through these frequent evaluations, we can implement gum disease prevention strategies and make timely referrals for deeper cleanings or more specialized treatments if needed.
It is crucial to emphasize that poor gum health doesn't just stay in your mouth. Research has established a robust systemic health connection between periodontal disease and various chronic conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, and even cognitive diseases like Alzheimer's. Maintaining healthy gums is essential not only for preventing tooth loss but also to mitigate the risks associated with these systemic diseases. Consequently, you might find yourself better equipped to manage your overall health with sound gum care practices.
Understanding that periodontal disease cannot be fully cured, our approach focuses on helping patients achieve remission through diligent management and maintenance. Think of it like managing chronic conditions such as asthma or diabetes; consistent care and regular monitoring play vital roles in maintaining health.
At Inspire Dental, we aim to make every aspect of your dental care as comfortable as possible. Most gum treatments are minimally invasive and greatly benefit from modern technology, including specialized rinses and dental tools that lessen sensitivity. We even employ laser therapy in some of our periodontal treatments, ensuring that your experience is as painless as possible. Our compassionate dental team understands that many patients may have dental anxiety or concerns about treatment procedures, and we are committed to walking alongside you every step of the way.
If you're noticing signs of gum disease, such as swollen or bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, or changes in tooth alignment, we encourage you to reach out. We provide emergency dental services to address urgent needs promptly, ensuring that your issues do not escalate to a more severe state.
Additionally, we offer a comprehensive range of services tailored to meet the unique needs of all our patients, including those with special needs. Our practice prioritizes inclusivity and patient comfort, making it easier for you or your loved ones to access high-quality dental health services. Whether you’re here for regular checkups or specialized treatment, our team is prepared to support your unique requirements.
Moreover, we believe in empowering our patients through oral health education. We offer resources that explain the process of tartar buildup treatment, the significance of routine dental care for gum health, and the variety of options available for improving your aesthetics through cosmetic dentistry. We want our patients to lead healthier lives informed by knowledge, encouraging proactive behavior around their oral hygiene practices.
Financing treatments is also part of our commitment to making dental care accessible. We offer various options, allowing you to manage your payments while still receiving top-notch dental services.
Periodontal disease poses risks that extend beyond oral discomfort, affecting your overall health. However, regular dental checkups, early detection, and compassionate care can make a world of difference in maintaining gum health. At Inspire Dental, our diverse and skilled team is here to provide treatments that not only bring you relief and restoration but also emphasize the importance of continuous care for oral health. In doing so, we contribute to your overall wellness, ensuring you can smile confidently and healthily for years to come.
Contact us today to schedule your next dental checkup and take the first step in safeguarding your gum health. Remember, your journey towards a healthier mouth and a happier you starts here at Inspire Dental!