What if you could stop gum pain, bleeding, or bad breath while also protecting your heart and reducing the risk of serious health problems? With the right knowledge and expert care, periodontal disease does not need to mean permanent damage or constant worry. In this blog, you will find out how to spot the earliest symptoms, and we explain what’s involved with advanced periodontal disease treatment, and why proper care for your gums can be essential for your overall health. Read on to discover how to avoid tooth loss and improve your wellbeing.
What Is Advanced Periodontal Disease?
Ignoring problems with your gums can lead to the development of severe gum disease and heart disease, too! Advanced periodontal disease can cause irreversible damage, including bone loss and periodontal pocketing, where deep pockets form between your teeth and gums, potentially trapping tartar, plaque and bacteria. Knowing how to spot the early onset can halt the progression of the disease and save your smile.
How Does Periodontitis Develop?
If irritation and inflammation of your gums are not treated, severe gum disease can really impact your health. Some warning signs to look out for:
- Plaque, a sticky film consisting of bacteria, saliva and bits of food, around your teeth and gums
- If plaque is not removed, it will harden, becoming tartar, which is difficult to clear
- The presence of this oral bacteria causes a reaction where periodontal pockets form between your gums and teeth.
- The pockets eventually have more bacteria, letting the infection worsen
- Eventually, if not treated effectively, the bones anchoring your teeth can break down, with the risk of tooth loss.
Why Routine Cleaning Is Not Enough
When periodontitis is established, only specialist treatment can resolve the problem.
- Normal brushing can not be used as it is not able to reach the periodontal pockets between your teeth and gums.
- Only special treatments, like scaling and root planing, can target the bacteria trapped in these pockets.
- Early-onset gum disease can often be managed by better oral hygiene techniques, but when periodontitis has developed, only specialised dental treatment can save your teeth from the severe potential risks.
Effective Periodontitis Treatments: From Deep Cleaning to Advanced Care
When you have confirmed periodontitis, modern, advanced treatment is needed to restore gum health and stop any further damage from developing
So, What are Scaling and Root Planing?
Essential for successful periodontitis treatment, root planing and scaling treat areas that normal cleaning just can’t reach:
- Removal of Deep Deposits
Bacteria and hard plaque are removed from the pockets around your teeth and tooth roots using special dental tools. - Smoothing Root Surfaces
Your gums attach back to your teeth when root surfaces are smoothed, preventing bacteria from forming there. - Promoting Gum Healing
The treatments help your inflamed gums to shrink and heal, reducing the size of the pockets.
Beyond Deep Cleaning: Advanced Non-Surgical and Surgical Options
Sometimes, your dentist will need to use more advanced options to tackle stubborn gum disease.
- Antimicrobial Gels and Fibres
Targeted medication, placed directly into the gum pockets, helps to control infection and reduce bacteria. - Dental Lasers
This method, which can be more comfortable for some patients, disinfects gum pockets and helps remove diseased tissue, encouraging fast healing. - Pocket Reduction Surgery
If unable to properly clean out the pockets, your dentist will surgically fold back your gums gently to remove unwanted bacteria. - Bone Grafting and Regenerative Procedures
Special proteins and bone grafting can help rebuild lost bones to support at-risk teeth. Regenerative membrane techniques encourage tissue growth. - Gum Grafting
Your natural gum line can be restored, even after gum recession, by grafting tissue to affected areas.
The Oral Systemic Link: Gum Disease and Heart Health
Advanced periodontal disease is more than a dental issue. The oral systemic link means it can be associated with serious health issues, including diabetes, problems while pregnant and even heart disease.
Inflammation and Bacteria Entering the Bloodstream
Chronic inflammation of your gums causes them to bleed, creating an entry point for bacteria. This can move from your mouth to your bloodstream, with potentially grave health impacts.
- Gum inflammation can act like a gateway for toxins to spread throughout your body.
- These circulating toxins and bacteria can worsen already chronic illnesses.
- The process is slow, so it may not be obvious initially.
How Gum Disease Can Affect the Heart
A number of studies have documented the link between advanced periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks and strokes.
- Oral bacteria can cause a build-up of plaque in blood vessels.
- Blood vessels which have become inflamed due to gum disease have an increased risk of becoming blocked.
- Successful treatment of gum disease is known to reduce the risk of cardiac issues.
Other Systemic Links: Diabetes and Pregnancy
Gum disease has also been linked to complications during pregnancy, as well as in those suffering from diabetes.
- Badly treated diabetes can result in infections, including gum disease and advanced periodontal disease.
- Treatment for your gum disease can also help you control diabetes, over time.
- There is a higher-than-average risk of pre-term birth and underweight newborns for those suffering from gum disease while pregnant.
Choose Us for Trusted Periodontal Treatment
Here at Gentle Dental, we are proud of our reputation as trusted providers of dental care, with our experienced team using the most modern techniques.
Commitment to Professional Training
All of our dentists are up-to-speed with the latest research and treatment methods. Their ongoing training ensures you are guaranteed the most effective, advanced dental solutions.
Patient-Focused Approach
Whether you make a booking for a simple deep clean or you need more extensive gum treatment, we make sure you understand your options, and we always aim to provide gentle dental care!
