Periodontal Therapy

Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is a common oral health issue affecting a large portion of adults, with around 30% of the population impacted. It is the leading cause of tooth loss among adults, and many patients seek denture fittings as a result of its severe effects. While gum disease cannot be fully cured, it can be effectively controlled with a targeted approach, similar to how other chronic conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes are managed.

In its early stages, gum disease may not present noticeable symptoms, meaning patients can be unaware of its presence. However, once it progresses, it can cause significant damage without warning. Think of the gums and bone surrounding your teeth as the foundation of a house—no matter how beautiful the structure, a weakened foundation can cause everything else to collapse. Detecting and managing periodontitis early is crucial. This can be done by scheduling regular dental exams, receiving professional cleanings, and maintaining good oral hygiene at home.

Our mouths host millions of bacteria, some of which are beneficial, while others can be harmful. These harmful bacteria produce plaque, a sticky substance that clings to teeth. The purpose of brushing and flossing is to remove plaque before it hardens into tartar, which creates a breeding ground for bacteria to thrive and release toxins into the gums.

When the immune system detects this bacterial invasion, it triggers an inflammatory response in the gums. This results in the formation of a small gum pocket around the base of each tooth, which provides a warm, dark environment for bacteria and tartar to penetrate and release toxins into the deeper gum tissues.

At first, this inflammation causes bleeding gums, a condition known as gingivitis. If left untreated, the bacteria can cause a chronic infection in the gum pocket. As bacteria invade deeper into the gums, the bone supporting the teeth begins to break down. At this stage, the gums may feel slightly tender, but the loss of bone tissue typically causes minimal discomfort.

Pain or looseness in the teeth usually doesn’t occur until more than half of the supporting bone has been lost. Unfortunately, bone loss is permanent, and controlling the progression becomes more difficult as bacteria continue to infiltrate the gums. In severe cases, untreated gum disease can lead to abscesses and widespread tooth loss.

Our diagnosis and grading of gum disease are based on precise clinical data. Using specialized tools, we carefully measure and chart multiple areas of your gums to ensure an accurate assessment. Bleeding areas and measurements greater than 3 millimeters suggest the presence of gum disease. We also evaluate the texture, shape, and movement of your gums, and review the bone density and structure around your teeth through digital x-rays. By combining these findings, we develop a comprehensive understanding of your gum health. Dr. Rust and our hygiene team are dedicated to providing expert care and treatment for your oral well-being.

Once a diagnosis is made and the severity of gum disease is determined, we will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan. For milder cases with little to no bone loss, one or two visits with our hygiene team may be sufficient to control the condition. With a clear strategy for daily home care and maintenance, minimal additional treatment may be necessary.

However, if the inflammation has advanced and bone loss is measurable, a more proactive approach is needed to prevent further damage. In many cases, we may recommend numbing your gums for comfort during the deeper cleaning process. This thorough cleaning, typically performed over several visits, targets both above and below the gum line. Using both hand and ultrasonic instruments, we carefully remove infected tissue and mineralized tartar from the gum pockets around each tooth. A final polishing of the teeth is done to create smooth surfaces that help prevent plaque and stain buildup.

Our team may also recommend a medicated rinse, an electric toothbrush, a Waterpik, or other specific tools to support your ongoing care. It’s important to remember that while gum disease can be controlled, it cannot be cured. Consistent daily efforts are essential to managing the condition effectively.

Maintaining proper home care is essential to prevent the progression of gum disease. Bacteria can quickly reattach to your teeth within hours of cleaning, and plaque that is left untreated can harden into tartar within 24 hours. For deeper gum pockets, extra attention is needed to stop bacteria from further damaging the foundation of your teeth.

For patients with harder-to-reach gum pockets, a personalized maintenance plan is crucial. We can design a schedule tailored to your needs, which may include two, three, or four visits per year, depending on the severity of the disease and its response to treatment and home care.

If our combined efforts don't control the gum disease, we will refer you to a specialized periodontist, who has advanced training in treating gum conditions and may recommend additional treatments.

Ongoing research highlights the strong links between oral bacteria and other serious health conditions, such as heart disease, stroke, arthritis, Alzheimer’s, and certain cancers. Bleeding gums create a direct pathway for bacteria to enter your bloodstream. In fact, if all the bleeding gums in the mouth were connected, they would form a 2×2 inch square, acting as an open door for bacteria to spread throughout the body.

For individuals with diabetes or other autoimmune disorders, their body’s ability to fight infection is weakened, which allows gum disease to progress more quickly and cause greater damage. Research also shows that inflammation in the mouth can worsen diabetes, making it harder to manage. This connection between chronic conditions underscores the importance of excellent oral health.