Understanding Periodontitis in Queens, NY

Periodontitis, commonly known as gum disease, affects numerous individuals in Queens, NY, and beyond. It’s a chronic inflammatory condition caused by bacterial plaque buildup, which triggers inflammation and damage to the gums and supporting structures of the teeth.

The Link Between Periodontitis and Systemic Health

Cardiovascular Disease

Research suggests a correlation between periodontitis and cardiovascular disease, a concern for Queens residents. The inflammation from gum disease can enter the bloodstream, contributing to arterial plaque formation and increasing the risk of heart issues.

Diabetes Management

For individuals managing diabetes in Queens, gum disease poses additional challenges. Periodontitis can worsen diabetes control, impairing insulin sensitivity and complicating blood sugar management.

Respiratory Health for Queens, NY Residents

Queens residents, especially those with compromised respiratory function, should be aware of the link between periodontitis and respiratory issues. Oral bacteria from gum disease can be aspirated into the lungs, increasing the risk of infections like pneumonia.

Pregnancy and Oral Health in Queens, NY

Expectant mothers in Queens should prioritize oral health, as untreated periodontitis may lead to pregnancy complications such as preterm birth and low birth weight. Proper dental care is crucial for maternal and fetal well-being.

Cognitive Health Concerns

Residents of Queens, NY, should also consider the potential impact of periodontitis on cognitive health. Emerging research suggests a connection between gum disease and cognitive decline, highlighting the importance of preventive dental care.

Prevention and Treatment in Queens, NY

Maintaining optimal oral health is key to preventing periodontitis and its systemic effects. Regular dental visits and diligent oral hygiene practices can help Queens residents avoid gum disease and its associated risks.

For those already affected by periodontitis in Queens, NY, seeking prompt treatment is essential. Dr. Prabha Krishnan, our lead periodontist, offers comprehensive periodontal treatment, including LANAP® laser gum disease treatment as well as scaling and root planing, to restore oral health and prevent systemic complications.

Conclusion: Protect Your Health with Periodontal Care in Queens, NY

Don’t overlook the importance of oral health in maintaining overall well-being. As a trusted periodontist in Queens, NY, we’re dedicated to helping our community understand and address the systemic risks of untreated periodontitis. Contact us today for expert periodontal care and prevention guidance tailored to your needs. Your health is our priority.

The post Comprehensive Guide: How Periodontitis Impacts Systemic Health appeared first on Gum Disease Treatment Forest Hills NY.

Fortunately, there are several periodontal disease treatments available so you won’t have to deal with these consequences. However, you should act fast because the detriments of periodontal disease can act fast. To learn more about periodontal disease and your treatment options, keep reading more below. 

What Is Periodontal Disease? 

As mentioned before, gum disease usually starts out as gingivitis. Many people actually have gingivitis without knowing it. Have you ever complained that your gums bleed when you floss on occasion?

That might be a sign that you might have gingivitis. The reason why your gums bleed when you floss is that your gums are very slightly inflamed and puffy and therefore more sensitive. However, you have likely noticed that if you continue to floss, your gums will no longer bleed. 

This is because flossing is able to strengthen the gums and remove any plaque or bacteria that might be irritating the gums or causing a gum infection. Healthy gums should be pink and firm. On the other hand, inflamed and diseased gums are red, soft, and puffy. 

If you keep a good oral hygiene routine that involves brushing your teeth and flossing, you should never have to worry about gum disease. However, many people don’t brush and floss as often as they should which is how gum disease happens in the first place. You can keep gingivitis from getting any worse and even get rid of it completely by following some basic dental care practices. 

If you avoid taking care of your oral hygiene, gingivitis will eventually progress to periodontitis. When you have periodontitis, your gums will be very inflamed and they might bleed when you eat certain foods or when you brush your teeth. Periodontitis specifically affects the pockets in your gums that hold your teeth in place (periodontal pockets). 

As periodontitis gets worse, these pockets start to weaken and you may notice that your teeth are loose. Periodontitis often leads to the loss of teeth in severe cases. It may also lead to bad infections and damage to the surrounding bone. 

Periodontal Disease Treatments

Of course, the best periodontal disease treatment is prevention. However, if you already have periodontal disease, there are a few things that you can do to keep the condition from getting any worse. If this disease has already destroyed some of your gum line, there are also solutions that you can try to restore your gums. 

Scaling is an important treatment method that dentists often employ for those who suffer from periodontal disease. Scaling is a type of dental cleaning that mainly involves the removal of plaque and tartar which is also known as calculus. Those who don’t brush their teeth or floss often end up with a lot of plaque and tartar. 

Tartar is a hard, calcified substance derived from plaque that builds up between teeth. It is one of the primary irritants to the gums and can cause a lot of inflammation. Plaque, on the other hand, is a soft and sticky substance that builds up over the surface of your teeth. 

When your dentist scales your teeth, he will use a special tool to scrape away all the tartar you have. This will reduce any inflammation your gums are currently experiencing and it will make it easier to clean between your teeth. Depending on how much tartar you have, you may need to come back to the dentist for a second time for a second scaling treatment. 

After your scaling procedure, you should get your teeth professionally cleaned once or twice every year to make sure you maintain good oral health. The use of antibiotics is another treatment for periodontal disease. Dentists usually will provide you with antibiotics after a scaling treatment or another gum-related treatment. 

Antibiotics can ensure that your periodontal pockets remain healthy as they heal.

Advanced Periodontal Diseases Treatments

If you have advanced periodontitis, scaling and antibiotics might not be enough to solve your problem. This is because those with advanced periodontitis often suffer from gum recession and sometimes even death of the gum tissue. In this case, you might need to try flap surgery. 

Flap surgery involves cutting and suturing the gums very close to the teeth. This makes it so the periodontal pockets are stronger and tighter than before. If you require extra tissue to cover the roots of your teeth, your dentist may take some tissue from the top of your mouth or from the inside of your cheek. 

Your dentist will then be able to apply this tissue over your teeth where it will grow into your existing gums and protect your teeth. In severe cases, bone and tissue grafts may be necessary. This is especially true if your periodontal disease is so severe that it damaged parts of your jawbone. 

This surgery requires a lot of downtime, though it is usually successful. 

Everything You Need to Know About Periodontal Disease Treatments

There are many periodontal disease treatments available. With these treatment options, you can make sure that your gum disease doesn’t worsen. By getting your gum disease treated and by following an oral hygiene routine, you can look forward to having healthy gums and teeth. 

To learn more about dental treatment options and services, contact us today!

The post Periodontal Disease Treatments: Know Your Options and Solutions appeared first on Gum Disease Treatment Forest Hills NY.

Did you know that in the United States alone 1 out of 7 people suffer from gum disease? Gum disease, also known as gingivitis, does not start out as a serious problem, but if left untreated, it can soon become a much more serious condition known as periodontal disease or periodontitis. If you don’t treat your periodontal disease, you might have to deal with the consequences such as jawbone damage and even life-threatening infections. 

Fortunately, there are several periodontal disease treatments available so you won’t have to deal with these consequences. However, you should act fast because the detriments of periodontal disease can act fast. To learn more about periodontal disease and your treatment options, keep reading more below. 

What Is Periodontal Disease? 

As mentioned before, gum disease usually starts out as gingivitis. Many people actually have gingivitis without knowing it. Have you ever complained that your gums bleed when you floss on occasion?

That might be a sign that you might have gingivitis. The reason why your gums bleed when you floss is that your gums are very slightly inflamed and puffy and therefore more sensitive. However, you have likely noticed that if you continue to floss, your gums will no longer bleed. 

This is because flossing is able to strengthen the gums and remove any plaque or bacteria that might be irritating the gums or causing a gum infection. Healthy gums should be pink and firm. On the other hand, inflamed and diseased gums are red, soft, and puffy. 

If you keep a good oral hygiene routine that involves brushing your teeth and flossing, you should never have to worry about gum disease. However, many people don’t brush and floss as often as they should which is how gum disease happens in the first place. You can keep gingivitis from getting any worse and even get rid of it completely by following some basic dental care practices. 

If you avoid taking care of your oral hygiene, gingivitis will eventually progress to periodontitis. When you have periodontitis, your gums will be very inflamed and they might bleed when you eat certain foods or when you brush your teeth. Periodontitis specifically affects the bone that holds your teeth in place (periodontal pockets). 

As periodontitis gets worse, these pockets start to weaken and you may notice that your teeth are loose. Periodontitis often leads to the loss of teeth in severe cases. It may also lead to bad infections and damage to the surrounding bone. 

Periodontal Disease Treatments

Of course, the best periodontal disease treatment is prevention. However, if you already have periodontal disease, there are a few things that you can do to keep the condition from getting any worse. If this disease has already destroyed some of your gum line, there are also solutions that you can try to restore your gums. 

Scaling is an important treatment method that dentists often employ for those who suffer from periodontal disease. Scaling is a type of dental cleaning that mainly involves the removal of plaque and tartar which is also known as calculus. Those who don’t brush their teeth or floss often end up with a lot of plaque and tartar. 

Tartar is a hard, calcified substance derived from plaque that builds up between teeth. It is one of the primary irritants to the gums and can cause a lot of inflammation. Plaque, on the other hand, is a soft and sticky substance that builds up over the surface of your teeth. 

When your dentist scales your teeth, he will use a special tool to scrape away all the tartar you have. This will reduce any inflammation your gums are currently experiencing and it will make it easier to clean between your teeth. Depending on how much tartar you have, you may need to come back to the dentist for a second time for a second scaling treatment. 

After your scaling procedure, you should get your teeth professionally cleaned every three to six months to make sure you maintain good oral health. The use of antibiotics is another treatment for periodontal disease. Dentists usually will provide you with antibiotics after a scaling treatment or another gum-related treatment. 

Antibiotics can ensure that your periodontal pockets remain healthy as they heal.

Advanced Periodontal Disease Treatments

If you have advanced periodontitis, scaling and antibiotics might not be enough to solve your problem. This is because those with advanced periodontitis often suffer from gum recession and bone loss. In this case, you might need to try flap surgery. 

Flap surgery involves cutting and suturing the gums very close to the teeth and bone. This makes it so the periodontal pockets are stronger and tighter than before. If you require extra tissue to cover the roots of your teeth, your dentist may take some tissue from the top of your mouth or from the inside of your cheek. 

Your dentist will then be able to apply this tissue over your teeth where it will grow into your existing gums and protect your teeth. In severe cases, bone and tissue grafts may be necessary. This is especially true if your periodontal disease is so severe that it damaged parts of your jawbone. 

Laser-Assisted Therapy for a Less Invasive Option

LANAP® – also known as the laser-assisted new attachment procedure – is a less invasive option periodontists (such as Dr. Prabha Krishnan of Forest Hills, NY) are able to offer their patients.

The LANAP® procedure utilizes the highly specialized PerioLase® MVP-7™ laser to provide a non-invasive, more predictable results driven treatment to fight gum disease. The protocol selectively targets and kills the bacteria that cause gum disease, removes damaged gum tissue, and creates new attachment of healthy tissue back to a tooth’s root surface. LANAP® treats gum disease without the pain, gum line recession, and increased sensitivity traditionally associated with periodontal treatments. Additionally, LANAP® offers more predictable long-term results.

LANAP® is the first and only FDA cleared laser protocol on the market for fighting gum disease. The laser surgery’s ability to kill the bacteria that causes gum disease is backed by both domestic and international independent studies. LANAP® can save natural teeth that otherwise would require extraction by promoting bone regeneration. LANAP® saves teeth, reduces pocket depth, and regenerates bone growth to achieve optimum periodontal health.

The LANAP® procedure typically helps patients resume their everyday lives at a much faster pace with generally much less pain.

To learn more about LANAP® or to schedule a consultation, click here.

Everything You Need to Know About Periodontal Disease Treatments

There are many periodontal disease treatments available. With these treatment options, you can make sure that your gum disease doesn’t worsen. By getting your gum disease treated and by following an oral hygiene routine, you can look forward to having healthy gums and teeth. 

To learn more about dental treatment options and services, contact us here.

The post Periodontal Disease Treatments: Know Your Options and Solutions appeared first on Gum Disease Treatment Forest Hills NY.

A periodontist is a dentist who gets additional training for two/three years after dental school to learn how to manage the supporting structures of the teeth including the gums and jawbone.

To have healthy teeth, the gums also need to be healthy. If they’re not, they can become infected and unable to support your teeth.

The only way to help this type of condition is to enhance the health of your gums, which is what a periodontist does.

During their training, they learn about periodontal treatment, surgical procedures, dental implant placement, and non-surgical procedures such as scaling & root planing (deep cleaning).

What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a result of bacterial growth in the mouth. It can lead to tooth loss due to damage to the tissue that surrounds the teeth.

The first stage is usually gingivitis, which is gum inflammation. However, not all gingivitis turns into periodontitis. When gingivitis begins, the bacteria in the plaque causes the gums to become swollen.

The inflammation causes the gums to bleed when flossing and brushing easily. If gingivitis goes untreated, then it will progress into periodontitis.

What Causes Gum Disease?

Several factors contribute to a person getting gum disease. Here are some of the factors:

Bad Oral Hygiene

Not brushing your teeth or flossing every day makes it easier for gingivitis to occur. The best way to combat it is with consistent oral care. Otherwise, your mouth becomes a breeding ground for bacteria, which can lead to various kinds of oral diseases.

Bad Habits

Smoking is detrimental to your gums and teeth. When you smoke, it makes it more difficult for gum tissue to repair itself. Not only will it damage your teeth and gums, but it causes other health issues as well.

Health Conditions

Diseases affecting other parts of your body can also damage your gums. Illnesses like cancer or HIV disrupt the immune system. Therefore the body is more prone to infections, which include cavities and periodontal disease.

Family History

Some oral diseases are genetic. Even if you have good oral hygiene, it could run in the family. If you know this to be true about your family history, the best way to prevent it is by taking care of your oral health and visiting the dentist regularly.

Periodontal Treatment

Luckily, there are treatments available to help you restore the health of your teeth and gums. Below are the most common periodontal treatments:

Scaling/Root Planing

To ensure the continued health of gum tissue, the pockets are thoroughly cleaned. To further eliminate infection, a medicated mouthwash may be prescribed to incorporate into your daily oral routine. Sometimes, localized treatment with antibiotics may be recommended.

Tissue Regeneration

When your gum tissues become damaged, periodontal surgery is needed. Bone grafting procedures are used to activate regrowth. A membrane is put into the affected area to promote the regeneration process. The procedure rebuilds the damaged area.

Dental Implants

Sometimes periodontal disease causes a person to lose their teeth. If this happens, the tooth can be restored by implanting prosthetic teeth into the jaw bone. However, teeth regeneration might be needed before adding a dental implant to strengthen the bone structure.

Restore Your Oral Health 

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of gum disease listed above, it’s imperative to see a periodontist as soon as possible, and we can help. 

Our experienced periodontal team provides a variety of services, including laser gum treatment and more.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us or give us a call at 718-878-4878. We look forward to helping you improve your smile!

The post What Is the Difference Between a Dentist and a Periodontist? appeared first on Gum Disease Treatment Forest Hills NY.

Not all periodontists offer the same services or customer care. When choosing a professional to help improve the health of your gums, it’s crucial to find a periodontist with the best skills and credentials. 

What should you know when choosing the best professional? Check out these seven helpful tips to find a periodontist. 

What Is Periodontics Dentistry?

A periodontist is more than a dentist that focuses on gums. These specialists go through at least three years of additional school to specialize in the prevention and treatment of periodontal disease (gum disease) and placing dental implants. 

The overall health of your mouth requires healthy gums! Choosing a gum specialist means finding a professional that can treat more than issues with your teeth. Here’s what you need to do when searching for the best periodontist. 

1. Check Their Certifications

Never settle for a periodontist without the right credentials. Your periodontist should be board certified and a member of legitimate professional organizations like the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Periodontology.

These associations help promote the best practices for dental and periodontal professionals. A periodontist with the right membership affiliations has made a commitment to excellent patient care and staying updated on the best and latest treatment options. 

2. Confirm Their Experience

While a new periodontist right out of school probably has the right skills, you might prefer a dental professional with more years of experience under their belt. 

Choose a periodontist that has seen a variety of issues that can affect gums—and has a track record of successfully treating patients with gum disease and other issues. 

You don’t want a doctor who sees you on their first day on the job. Talk with friends and family and seek referrals for an experienced local periodontist for the best chance at effective treatment options. 

3. Ask About Technology

Out-of-date treatments for gum diseases can be ineffective, painful, and expensive. There’s no need to settle for archaic methods of treating gum disease when searching for the right periodontist.

Ask about the technology they use to treat gum issues. Are they up-to-date with current techniques and treatments? Do they offer laser gum treatments? The best periodontists pursue continuing education to learn about new developments in the treatment of gum-related issues. 

If a dental professional can treat you safely with less pain and quicker recovery time because they use the latest and best-recommended treatment options, you might have found your ideal periodontist!

4. Make Sure They Have Availability

Finding an excellent periodontist who can’t fit you into your schedule doesn’t do you any good. The longer you go without treatment for the signs and symptoms of gum disease or other dental issues, the more you suffer. You also risk irreversible conditions when delaying treatment. 

An excellent periodontist has room for you in their schedule. A busy office is a good sign that you’ve found an excellent dental professional. However, “too busy” is a sign to find another periodontist with availability. 

Periodontics is a critical part of improving a patient’s overall health. Gum disease can affect your ability to consume the nutrients you need to stay healthy. Problems with your gums can also indicate other serious health issues. 

Don’t wait for the “right” periodontist to have time for you. Choose a dental professional who recognizes the urgency of your need and prioritizes your treatment. 

5. Ask About Pain Management

Gum issues can be very painful. The treatment options can also be painful immediately following oral surgery and throughout recovery. 

Your periodontist should also have the training to recommend the right pain management options for you. During your initial exam, they should take a complete medical history. Learning about your overall health, history, and how you tolerate medications will help your periodontist manage your pain in the way that works best for you. 

Ensuring that you heal correctly from oral surgery or other periodontic treatments includes a proper pain management plan that keeps you safe and minimizes discomfort. 

6. Find Out About Payment Options

Oral surgery can be expensive. Depending on the severity of your gum issues, your periodontist can recommend several procedures, including:

• Scaling and root planing
• Tissue regeneration 
• Pocket elimination surgery 
• Dental implants

Before committing to your treatment plan, ask about specials or payment plans. Any of these treatments can be expensive, and many dental insurance plans don’t cover these oral surgeries or gum treatments. 

7. Make Sure They Offer More Than Surgeries

The best periodontal professionals take a holistic approach to gum health. While they might first see you as a patient in need of treatment for gum disease or other issues, your periodontist should also help you with ongoing gum health. 

Their office shouldn’t be a revolving door of dental surgery patients. When searching for the right periodontist, ask about their approach to gum health. They should offer services and guidance, including:

• How to prevent gum disease
• How to brush your teeth and prioritize the health of your mouth
• Tips on recovering from oral surgery and protecting your gums
• Information about foods or behaviors that can cause your gums to deteriorate
• Tips about how to recognize a recurrence of gum problems

The best periodontists make a long-term commitment to the health of your gums—and they help you maintain that commitment, too. Periodontics is as much about educating patients and helping prevent serious gum problems as it is about treating problems after they occur. 

Find a Periodontist Who Cares About Your Gum Health

Choosing a periodontist with enough experience and the right credentials is critical. It’s also essential to find a periodontist who cares about your gum health! 

When your gums are healthy, you live a healthier and happier life! We prioritize our patients’ comfort and education to promote better gum health. We also offer a variety of treatment options to improve the condition of your gums. 

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of gum disease, contact us for a free consultation! 

The post How to Find a Periodontist Who Is Right for You – 7 Helpful Tips appeared first on Gum Disease Treatment Forest Hills NY.

Don’t leave your teeth and gums at risk! By knowing how to recognize your periodontal problems, you can get the help you need before it’s too late. 

Keep reading to discover the eight reasons to see a periodontist today!

1. Loose Teeth

Periodontitis occurs as a result of poor dental hygiene. When you fail to brush and floss your teeth, you’re giving bacteria a chance to spread. Over time, that bacteria can build up against your teeth.

The bacteria will begin to multiply before forming dental plaque, which is a sticky substance that clings to the surface of your teeth. You can usually remove the plaque by brushing your teeth twice a day.

When you don’t brush, however, the plaque’s bacteria will begin depositing minerals known as tartar. Tartar is harder than plaque and usually requires a dentist’s help for removal. The longer you neglect your oral hygiene, the more likely bacteria will grow toward the roots of your teeth. 

Your body will then respond with its natural response to illness or injury: inflammation. While a little inflammation can fight off bacteria, prolonged inflammation causes pain.

Over time, the attachment between your gums and the root of a tooth becomes disturbed. As a result, a periodontal pocket or gap might form. This can cause your teeth to loosen. 

Does your smile look a little different when you look in the mirror? Periodontal disease will affect the bones holding your teeth in place. Your teeth will likely shift and even become loose.

Loose teeth usually indicate thinning bone or infections like periodontitis. If your teeth feel loose, visit your periodontist as soon as possible. You might think you’re only imagining that slight wiggle.

In any case, make sure to visit an exam to stay on the safe sign. Catching gum disease early can help you minimize potential bone damage. 

2. Receding Gums

Almost 50% of adults over the age of 30 have periodontal disease. Despite how often gum disease occurs, many people don’t receive the treatment they need.

Take a proactive approach and check your teeth in the mirror. Are your gums started to recede away from your teeth? 

It’s normal for your gums to recede a little as you grow older. However, it shouldn’t seem too noticeable. If you recognize your gums are starting to shift away from your teeth, it could indicate periodontal disease.

When bone breaks down, your gums will begin separating from your teeth. That’s what causes your gums to recede. 

Make sure to schedule an appointment with your periodontist as soon as possible. The sooner you start treatment, the more likely you can protect your teeth. 

3. Pain and Discomfort

When we usually experience oral pain, it’s often connected to a single tooth. For example, you might have a cavity that requires treatment. If you start experiencing pain and discomfort throughout your entire jaw, however, it might indicate gum disease. 

Pay attention if you start noticing discomfort around, within, or under your gums. Your dentist can examine your teeth to determine the root of the problem.

Your dentist will likely suggest a deep cleaning, which is often the first line of treatment for gum disease. This treatment is completed under the gum line rather than above the gum line. Your dentist can also use scaling to scrape tartar above and below your gum line. 

Otherwise, they might use root planing to smooth out rough surfaces along the roots of your teeth. This process can help your gums reattach to your teeth.  

4. Bite Changes

Do you notice a difference with how your teeth line up when you chew, brush your teeth, talk, or sleep? A different bite pattern could indicate your teeth have shifted. Without proper treatment, bite changes can also lead to long-term issues. 

While you wait for your appointment, make sure to reduce the number of bacteria in your mouth by:

• Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
• Using an electric toothbrush
• Flossing at least once a day
• Not smoking

You’ll also need to schedule regular cleanings to remove plaque and tartar buildup against your teeth. Otherwise, your dentist will need to treat any periodontal pockets that have formed to ensure they heal properly.

5. Red, Swollen, or Bloody Gums

Givingitis usually starts by affecting your gum line. You might recognize signs of inflammation if your gums appear red or swollen.

Do your gums bleed when your brush or floss? They’ll likely feel tender or painful when you brush, too. 

Make sure to let your dentist know if your gums start bleeding. 

6. Gum Abscess

Puss can sometimes develop on the gums, forming a gum abscess. Also known as a periodontal abscess, these can occur when an infection builds between your teeth and gums. 

Remember, bacteria buildup can lead to periodontal disease. It can also weaken your immune system. As a result, your body will likely have a difficult time fighting off future infections.

If you have a gum abscess, you’ll likely experience:

• Loose teeth
• A bad taste in your mouth
• Fever
• Pus discharge
• Pain when chewing

Make sure to contact your dentist if you taste pus or feel pain and tenderness. They’ll use a dental X-ray to check for an infection. 

7. Sensitivity

You might also experience sensitivity when you consume hot or cold food or beverages. 

When your gums recede, you’re leaving the dentin exposes, which is the most sensitive part of your tooth. As a result, you could experience sensitivity when eating or drinking.

8. Bad Breath

Check your breath! The bacteria that are building against your teeth and release toxins that have a foul smell. If your breath starts to stink, it could indicate you have serious gum disease. 

Recognizing Periodontal Problems: 8 Signs It’s Time to See a Periodontist

Don’t wait until your next appointment. Instead, keep an eye out for these eight periodontal problems. If you experience these dental issues, call a periodontist as soon as possible for treatment. 

Worried about your gums? Request a free consultation today!

The post Periodontal Problems: 8 Reasons Why You Should See a Periodontist (Now!) appeared first on Gum Disease Treatment Forest Hills NY.

The good news? In the earliest periodontal disease stages, your dental healthcare team can minimize the negative impact on your teeth, gums, and overall health. If caught early enough, your dentist may even be able to reverse the disease.

Read today’s post and explore the different stages of periodontitis and treatment of the disease.

What Do You Already Know about Periodontal Disease?

If you’re familiar with the term gum disease, you likely know more about periodontal disease than you think. Many toothpaste ads include messages about preventing gum disease if you use their product.

The statistics mentioned earlier point to the severity of the problem. However, statistics alone don’t tell the whole story.

If you’re dentist diagnoses you with gum disease, it means you already have a damaging infection. You may have damage to the soft tissue in your gums. If left untreated, periodontitis can destroy the supporting bone in your mouth, and eventually will result in tooth loss.

Some people blame genetics for their “bad teeth.” The truth is poor oral hygiene is the most likely culprit.

Next, we’ll look at the tell-tale signs you already have gum disease.

Symptoms of Periodontitis

Look in the mirror at your gums. If they’re a pale pink, firm to the touch, and you don’t notice gaps between them and your teeth, you have healthy gums.

If your gums bleed when you brush and floss, you have a problem. That shouldn’t happen in a healthy mouth! Bleeding gums are one of the first noticeable symptoms of periodontitis.

Swollen, red, or sore gums often accompany the bleeding. Some people notice they have sensitive teeth, which usually happens when the gums recede. Gum recession is a direct result of bleeding and infection.

As the disease progresses, most people develop bad breath that doesn’t go away with brushing, mouthwash, or breath mints. In the later stages of the disease, you may have pain when chewing.

Some of the most severe symptoms include pus, loose teeth, and the development of spaces between your teeth. Receding gums are another serious symptom.

Don’t wait until you experience tooth loss or gum recession! Your dentist can help slow or stop the disease in the early stages.

Early Periodontal Disease

In the early stage, dentists call gum disease gingivitis. Markers for gingivitis include gum inflammation and, in many people, bleeding gums.

Plaque buildup at your gum line is the cause of inflammation. Plaque is a sticky film that makes your teeth feel fuzzy. If not removed, plaque produces poisons that irritate gum tissue and lead to gingivitis.

Dedication to daily dental hygiene can help prevent plaque buildup.

Start by flossing and brushing after meals. An alternative schedule could include adjusting the routine to when you wake up when you come home from work, and before you go to bed. Your dentist may also suggest an antibacterial mouth rinse.

The most critical preventative measure you can take is showing up for your 6-month dental checkups. If they detect signs of early periodontal disease, a thorough cleaning will usually take care of the problem.

Your dental team has the best chance of reversing the symptoms of gingivitis. During the earliest stage of gum disease, they can also prevent a progression to the next stages—slight, moderate, and advanced periodontal disease.

Moving on to Periodontal Disease Stages

Ignoring early gum disease puts you at risk for worsening symptoms and more severe damage to your teeth and gums.

Once you move from gingivitis to periodontal disease, your symptoms are no longer reversible. Now, your dental team moves into a program of managing the disease.

Dental professionals label the disease stages as slight, moderate, and advanced.

At the slight periodontal disease stage, your dentist will likely find a spread of infection to the bone that supports your teeth. Bacteria work more aggressively, destroying bone.

You’ll notice more swelling and redness in your gums, along with heavier bleeding when brush and floss. Your breath won’t smell pleasant, and the smell will persist even after you brush.

When your dentist checks for gum disease, they measure pocket depths—the space between your teeth and gums.

At a depth between four and five millimeters, you have slight periodontal disease. Once your dentist can probe greater than six to seven millimeters, you’ve moved into moderate periodontitis.

Don’t let things progress to advanced periodontitis!

Advanced periodontitis is the final stage of gum disease. At this stage, you’ll deal with irreversible damage to the fibers and bone, which support your teeth. You’ll also experience shifting and loosening teeth. Without aggressive treatment, you may end up losing teeth and suffer other health problems.

Periodontal Disease Treatment

Before it progresses to the advanced stage, your dental team can often treat slight and moderate periodontitis with several non-invasive procedures. These include:

• Scaling
• Root Planing
• Antibiotics

Once you’re in the advanced stages of periodontitis, your dentist may only have surgical treatment options, including:

• Flap Surgery
• Lanap Laser Gum Treatment
• Soft Tissue Grafting
• Bone Grafting

Flap surgery, also called pocket reduction surgery, exposes the tooth roots, which helps create a more effective environment for scaling and root planing. Soft tissue grafts can prevent further gum recession. Bone grafting helps hold a tooth in place, preventing tooth loss.

Ready to Fight Periodontitis?

We hope you have a better understanding of periodontal disease stages, prevention, and treatment.

As you can see, there’s much you can do to prevent periodontitis. It all begins with an excellent dental hygiene routine and scheduling 6-month checkups with your dentist.

Do you already have symptoms of gingivitis or periodontitis? Bleeding and tender gums may mean you’re in the early stages of gum disease. Sensitive teeth, loose teeth, and bad breath mean things are getting more serious.

 Don’t wait another day to schedule an appointment with your dental team. We have a wide range of treatment options for all stages of periodontitis. Contact us today and let us help you care for your teeth!

The post Periodontitis Treatment Guide: Different Stages You Should Expect appeared first on Gum Disease Treatment Forest Hills NY.