Periodontal Maintenance
Periodontal disease, unlike gingivitis (red, swollen and bleeding gum), is not reversible and requires professional maintenance and often more frequent recare visits. If it goes unchecked, periodontal disease can lead to persistent bad breath, loose teeth, painful chewing and eventually tooth loss. If Dr Vismans notices that you have bone loss around your teeth, and your periodontal (gum) measurements show inflammation in your gums, scaling and root planing is most likely indicated in order halt the disease process. Periodontal disease is not reversible and the goal of treatment is to prevent further break down of the bone around teeth and make an oral environment that is cleanable and maintainable for patients at home.
Among the causes for periodontal (gum) disease are genetic susceptibility, smoking, and other systemic factors like diabetes. Periodontal maintenance involves removing plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line. Most gum disease is preventable with proper oral hygiene, the right tools at home and regular visits with one of our skilled hygienists to ensure gums can feel comfortable and healthy all year long. It can also lead to prolonged bad breath, loose teeth, painful chewing and other complications.
Diagnosing Gum Disease
In order to properly diagnose gum disease, Dr Vismans will do a comprehensive examination, evaluating both your dental radiographs, your tissue health clinically and take specific gum measurements on each tooth to get a comprehensive picture of your oral health. Gum measurements will be repeated during hygiene visits in order to track improvements and or any changes in tissue health.
Further Treatment
If you are diagnosed with a more advanced case of Periodontal disease, or periodontal pockets do not respond adequately to scaling and root planing or other non-surgical interventions, you may be referred to a specialist for further evaluation. There are many options available to help patients maintain and preserve their natural dentition. With timely intervention and proper motivation, periodontally involved teeth can be maintained for a long time.