Periodontal disease is an inflammatory diseases affecting the periodontium, or the tissues that surround and support the teeth.

Periodontal disease involves the gradual, progressive loss of bone mass around the teeth, and if left untreated, can lead to loosening and eventual loss of teeth.

Periodontal disease is caused by microorganisms that grow on the tooth’s surfaces combined with an aggressive immune response against this infection.

 

What is Periodontal Disease

Periodontal (gum) diseases, including gingivitis and periodontitis, are serious infections that, left untreated, can lead to tooth loss.

Periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the gums and bone supporting the teeth.

Periodontal disease can affect one tooth or many teeth. It begins when the bacteria in plaque (the sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth) causes the gums to become inflamed.

 

Gingivitis Treatment – Scottsdale

Gingivitis is the mildest form of periodontal disease. It causes the gums to become red, swollen, and bleed easily.

There is usually little or no discomfort at this stage. The primary cause of Gingivitis is inadequate oral hygiene.

Gingivitis can be prevented through good oral hygiene that includes daily brushing and flossing.

Gingivitis is usually a condition that is reversible with good oral home care combined with professional treatment.

 

Periodontitis Treatment – Periodontal Disease Dentist Scottsdale

Untreated gingivitis can advance to periodontitis. With time, plaque can spread and grow below the gum line. Toxins produced by the bacteria in plaque irritate the gums.

The toxins initiate an inflammatory response that the body senses as a threat and cause the tissues and bone that support the teeth to be broken down and damaged or destroyed. In progressive states, the gums separate from the teeth and form pockets or spaces between the teeth and gums, that become infected. If left untreated, the pockets deepen and gum tissue and bone are destroyed.

Often, gingivitis has very mild, if any symptoms. Eventually, if left untreated, teeth can become loose and may have to be removed.

There are many forms of periodontitis. The most common ones include the following:

Aggressive periodontitis occurs in patients who are otherwise clinically healthy. Common features include rapid attachment loss and bone destruction and familial aggregation.

Chronic periodontitis results in inflammation within the supporting tissues of the teeth, progressive attachment and bone loss. This is the most frequently occurring form of periodontitis and is characterized by pocket formation and/or recession of the gingiva. It is prevalent in adults, but can occur at any age. The progression of periodontal disease resulting in attachment loss typically occurs slowly, however rapid progression of disease is not uncommon.

Periodontitis as a manifestation of systemic diseases often begins at a young age. Systemic conditions such as heart disease, respiratory disease, and diabetes are associated with this form of periodontitis.

Necrotizing periodontal disease is an advanced form of disease in which the ligaments, bones and tissues surrounding the teeth begin to die off. Necrotizing periodontal disease is most commonly found in persons inflicted with conditions such as HIV, malnutrition or immune suppression.

 

 

Topic: Periodontal disease, Gingivitus treatment Scottsdale AZ – North Scottsdale Dentist Carefree Smile