Local periodontist, Dr. David Weinstock provides personalized treatment plans for varying stages of gum disease. Dr. Weinstock is a highly trained periodontist with years of experience treating patients with varying stages of gum disease. Treating gum disease is one of the dental services that Dr. Weinstock provides.
The Dangers of Periodontal Disease
Bacterial plaque is a soft, sticky, toxic mass that attaches to teeth along and underneath the gum line. If you do not remove the plaque with regular brushing and flossing, it hardens and becomes tartar or calculus.
As the tartar develops, it forms a cohesive bond with the root surface of the tooth. You will need a professional teeth cleaning called scaling and root planing to remove the tartar. Without treatment, gum disease will progress. At each stage, your teeth, gums, and underlying bone will become more and more damaged.
Towards the end stages, tooth loss, gum recession, and bone loss is likely. Periodontal disease can even affect your overall health. There have been many studies done that have linked it to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and more.
Stages of Gum Disease
The stages of gum disease progress relatively quickly. The sooner you get a diagnose, the better your outcome will be with less damage to your oral health. Treatment in the early stages will prevent it from progressing into further stages. Continue reading to learn more about the stages of gum disease.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease. During this stage, the gums become swollen and sore and may bleed easily. This stage of gum disease is common. With a better oral hygiene routine, you can easily treat gingivitis without any permanent damage.
Initial Periodontitis
Initial Periodontitis is the second stage of periodontal disease. During this stage, the infection begins to spread further into the pockets of gum tissue. Bacteria is present in the inflamed gum tissue pockets.
Gums have inflammation, bleed often, hurt to touch and begin to form pockets around teeth. This stage is still reversible, and damage is not permanent if caught and treated properly.
Mild Periodontitis
Once you have reached the third stage of gum disease, damage begins to be permanent. The surface and structure of teeth begin to become infected and rot away. At this point, patients may have already lost anywhere from 20-50% of their tooth and bone structure.
Your dentist will use treatment to manage the infection. This step is vital to ensuring the disease does not get worse and cause further damage. However, we cannot reverse previous damage.
Advanced Periodontitis
The final stage of periodontal disease is advanced periodontitis. Once a patient has reached this stage, they have lost a significant amount of bone and damage is irreversible.
Patients’ gums will appear inflamed and red, and they will ache often. Tooth loss is also a major concern at this stage. You will need treatment to manage the infection and preserve the remaining tooth and gum structure. At this stage, there is severe damage to the teeth and gums.
Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease
Like most dental concerns, early diagnosis is key. Finding the Disease early allows your dentist to make a plan that is effective and conservative. Early treatment prevents gum disease from advancing into further issues.
For some patients, they may not even know they have gum disease. In the early stages, you may or may not notice symptoms. Many dentists consider it a silent disease in its early stages. If you notice any of these changes in your oral health, contact our Bala Cynwyd dentist office.
- Bleeding gums
- Chronic halitosis
- Loose teeth
- Shifting of teeth
- Change in the fit of oral appliance
- Swollen gums
- Receding gums
Periodontal Therapy in Philadelphia, PA
Healthy gums are the basis of good oral health. Your gum health is essential in maintaining the integrity and structure of your smile. Your dentist will determine which treatment is best for you based on the progression of the disease.
Dr. Weinstock will also take into consideration any other oral health concerns you may have developed. Treating gum disease requires cleaning the gums and deep tissue pockets of bacteria and tartar. Doing so will allow the gums to properly heal.
Preventative Dental Hygiene
You can take preventative measures that will prevent or slow the progression of gum disease. Twice daily brushing and flossing are every patient’s first defense against the development of gum disease. Oral hygiene is crucial to a healthy smile, and to prevent gum disease.
If you need tips on proper techniques, our dental staff will be happy to give you some pointers. Preventative dental care is also a major factor in preventing gum disease. Visiting Dr. Weinstock twice a year for professional dental cleanings will remove tartar you can not reach in your mouth. It also gives him and our team to examine your smile, and catch any signs of gum disease before it causes permanent damage.
Scaling and Root Planing
If gum disease has already begun to develop, Dr. Weinstock may recommend scaling and root planing. Scaling and root planing (SRP) is a deep cleaning that targets the teeth surface and teeth roots and the surrounding tissues. The treatment is relatively pain-free and establishes a healthy environment necessary for healing.
Gum Disease FAQs
Do you have further questions about gum disease treatment in our office? Continue reading to find answers to frequently asked questions in our office.
Can gum disease cause tooth loss?
Yes. Periodontitis is the advanced stage of gum disease and can lead to tooth loss. Gum disease attacks soft gum tissue and jawbone. As the disease progresses the risk of tooth loss increases.
Your teeth will become loose and fall out if you do not address your periodontitis. You will require gum disease treatment and you will need to improve your oral hygiene routine.
Is gum disease contagious?
No. Gum disease is not contagious. You can not transfer it to another person through kissing if you have the disease. Although, you can share the bacteria that causes gum disease. Be sure to let your dentist know if you think you may have gum disease.
Can gum disease recur after treatment?
Yes, unfortunately you will always be at risk for gum disease even after treatment. Periodontal disease will occur anytime you fail to practice good oral hygiene. This involves Regular dental visits and continued adherence to good oral care practices are vital to prevent recurrence.
Do I need to see a specialist for periodontal disease?
Dr. Weinstock is a local periodontist that can treat your gum disease. Mild to moderate gum disease is highly treatable with the proper care from a highly trained general dentist. However, for periodontitis, you may need more invasive treatment. After your consultation, we will be able to determine which state of gum disease you are in and what kind of care you need.
Can I reverse my gum disease?
Dr. Weinstock can easily treat gingivitis, which is the mild form of gum disease, and reverse the disease. If Dr. Weinstock diagnoses you with gingivitis, he will suggest a professional cleaning and give you at-home instructions. However, periodontitis, which is a more advanced stage of gum disease, will lead to permanent damage. We can offer treatment to prevent the progression of the disease but the damage it has caused is permanent.
How can I prevent gum disease?
The easiest way to prevent this disease is to maintain excellent oral hygiene. This includes brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing at least once a day. You can also add mouthwash into your oral hygiene routine daily.
Visiting your dentist twice a year for a routine checkup is vital. This appointment will include a teeth cleaning that will remove built-up plaque and tartar that often leads to gum disease. Additionally avoiding smoking, managing diabetes, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will support your gum health.
What are the risk factors for gum disease?
This oral disease has several risk factors. Poor oral hygiene is the primary cause. When you do not take care of your teeth, plaque will build up and harden into tartar. Smoking will increase your risk and severity of it.
Genetics, diabetes, hormonal changes (e.g., pregnancy, menopause), certain medications, and conditions that weaken the immune system also contribute. Poor nutrition, stress, and teeth grinding can exacerbate the problem.
Schedule an Appointment for Periodontal Therapy in Philadelphia, Pa
If you have concerns about the health of your gums, schedule an appointment today with Dr. Weinstock. He will conduct a periodontal screening to look for sign and symptoms of gum disease and suggest treatment for you. We offer periodontal therapy in Philadelphia, PA that will target your individual needs.
Contact our office to schedule your appointment by calling (215) 857-8054 or request an appointment online by filling out the form.