Periodontal Disease Treatment

Have your gums gone bad? You’re not alone. According to a CDC report, periodontal disease – also known as gum disease or periodontitis – affects up to 47% of Americans aged 30 and beyond. This means that the chances of you developing gum disease increases as you age, with over 70% of people aged 65 years older suffering from its effects.
At Tolley Dental, we believe that periodontal care is the key to keeping your gums and teeth healthy for the rest of your life. With the right routine care and oral hygiene, you can keep yourself free of harmful bacteria and infections that can develop into periodontitis.

What Causes Periodontal Disease?

Gum disease is caused by the increased growth of bacteria in areas of your mouth. Even if you’re consistently brushing, flossing, and gargling, you can still be at risk! Smoking, genetics, hormonal changes, diabetes, and stress are all known to trigger early onset gum disease.
If left untreated, periodontal disease could eventually lead to tooth loss, gum recession, bone loss, and a weakened immune system. This is why it’s important to get routine dental check-ups if you experience any swelling, bleeding gums, loose teeth, bad breath, or infections.

How Do You Treat Different Stages Of Periodontitis?

The type of dental treatment you’ll need depends on what stage the periodontitis is detected. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, there are four stages of periodontitis, with only one stage being reversible – this is why getting yourself treated as early as possible can make all the difference!
Stage I: Gingivitis – This is the only reversible stage of periodontal disease and it presents next to no symptoms. Initially, there could be some mild discomfort, occasional swelling, and minimal pain.

Stage II: Slight Periodontal Disease – The second stage isn’t reversible but can be managed through regular cleanings of the gums and teeth. At this stage, people might experience more frequent signs of swollen or red gums, tooth sensitivity, and gum line recession.

Stage III: Moderate Periodontal Disease – The third stage is more progressive, causing noticeable damage to the bone and tissues in your mouth. This can be treated with tooth scaling and root planing to give your mouth a full deep cleaning.

Stage IV: Advanced Periodontal Disease – The final stage is the most serious type of periodontitis and it can only be managed with surgical or laser treatments. Patients with stage IV gum disease will experience long-term halitosis, tooth loss, and irreversible bone loss.

It’s very difficult to detect warning signs of periodontitis, making it even more dangerous to unsuspecting patients. So, if you’re experiencing any inflammation, you should consider getting yourself checked for periodontal disease before it reaches stage II.

Get Premium Periodontal Care At Tolley Dental

Periodontal disease is best left in the hands of experts who know exactly how to diagnose and treat it at any stage. So, if you’re experiencing signs of gum damage, don’t worry! Tolley Dental is experienced in handling all types of gum disease so you can maintain a healthy set of teeth and gums for years to come.
We also offer a great selection of preventive dental care services including teeth cleanings, dental exams, X-rays, wisdom tooth extractions, and more. Contact our team today to book an appointment!