Treating Severe Periodontal Disease

Quick Summary

Periodontal disease progresses through five distinct stages based on pocket depth and bone loss. Treatment options range from non-surgical deep cleaning for early stages to surgical procedures like flap surgery and bone grafting for advanced disease. Early intervention can prevent tooth loss and restore gum health.

Key Takeaways

• Ask your periodontist to measure your pocket depths during your exam to determine which of the five stages of periodontal disease you may have.
• If you have early-stage disease, non-surgical treatments like scaling and root planing may be enough to control infection and prevent progression.
• For advanced periodontal disease with significant bone loss, you may need surgical treatment such as flap surgery or bone grafting to restore support around your teeth.
• Schedule a comprehensive periodontal evaluation to discuss which treatment option is right for your specific stage of disease and to create a personalized care plan.

Gum disease can become a serious problem in your life. Many people don’t even realize they have it until the condition becomes an severe, and by then, permanent damage might have occurred. Knowing the warning signs and treatment options is essential in keeping your smile beautiful and healthy.

Symptoms of Gum Disease

It is sometimes difficult to catch the early stages of gum disease, because the symptoms are mild and fleeting. Because of this, regular visits to the dentist and periodontist are essential in getting the proper care. If you are experiencing any level of gum redness, pain, swelling, bleeding after brushing and flossing, gum recession, loose or missing teeth, mouth sores, or chronic bad breath, it is essential to schedule a visit to your Los Angeles periodontist.

Gingival disease stems from a build-up of plaque and debris along the gum line. Smoking and certain medications, poor nutrition, poor oral care, and also a variety of other diseases all increase the risk of developing gum disease.

Stages of Gum Disease

The first stage of gum disease is gingivitis. It begins with gum sensitivity and redness along the gum line. The risk of bleeding while brushing or flossing is very high in the early stage.

The next stage is periodontitis and occurs if gingivitis goes untreated. Plaque builds up on the gum line and over time turns into infection. This will cause the gums to pull back off of the teeth. Eventually, if left untreated and allowed to progress, the teeth could potentially loosen and fall out. Periodontitis also comes with very bad breath that brushing does little to combat.

Treatment of Gum Disease

The first step towards treatment is proper diagnosis. Once the progression of the disease is assessed the level of treatment can be scheduled. If you are in the early stages of gingivitis, the periodontist can take steps to completely and effectively reverse the damage of the disease.

If tooth loss has occurred, then steps must be taken to restore the mouth to its original splendor. Depending on the level of gum recession, gum grafting may be required. This process takes a piece of healthy gum and rebuilds the recessed gum line with it. This is a highly effective course of treatment and with proper care can be permanent.

Pocket reduction surgery might be appropriate for minimal recession. This treats the gums by cleaning the root surfaces of bacteria and smoothing the edges of damaged bone. Your dentist may also recommend dental implants once the gum’s health has been restored. This is a surgical process of installing a tooth into the jawbone. This is a highly effective, permanent process that replaces a missing tooth with an identical fabrication.

Schedule an Appointment Today

If you have more questions about any of these procedures, such as pocket reduction surgery in Los Angeles, call the CENTER for Advanced Periodontal & Implant Therapy to schedule a consultation. Dr. Aalam and Dr. Krivitsky are dedicated to helping you find the most effective care in treating your oral health. Call 310-826-8242 today.

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