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At Azarko Dental Group in Edmonton, our dentists provide gum disease treatment and management services.
It is important to treat gum disease because it can affect a number of health issues, including heart health, diabetes, and the ability to lead a healthy lifestyle.
Gum disease is an infection of the supporting tissues of the teeth, including the gums, gingiva, alveolar bone, cementum, and the periodontal ligament. It typically progresses in the following stages:
Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease caused by a build-up of plaque and tartar on the teeth that hardens and irritates the gums. The gums become tender, inflamed, and likely to bleed.
As gum disease progresses, plaque and tartar continue to build up and the gums begin to recede. Eventually, bacteria-filled pockets form between the gums and teeth, and bone loss may occur.
Risk factors include poor oral hygiene habits, smoking and systemic diseases that allow plaque to build up on the teeth and harden, eventually affecting the gums.
Periodontal treatment methods depend upon the type and severity of the disease. Your dentist will assess the health of your gums, and advise the best course of treatment for your specific case.
Regular hygiene cleanings and exams are important for maintaining the health of your gums. By practicing good oral hygiene at home and eating a balanced diet, you can also significantly reduce your chances of ever getting gum disease.
For patients with mild gum disease, a deep cleaning performed by a dental hygienist may be enough to reverse it. The hygienist will scrape away the plaque and tartar around and below the gum line, and smooth out any rough areas left behind through a process called scaling and root planing.
For patients with more advanced forms of gum disease, more invasive surgical treatments may be necessary to reverse it. There are a few different types of surgical gum therapy such as gum grafting and bone grafting.
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