What Is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is a progressive infection of the bone and tissues that support your teeth. The chronic condition typically develops as a result of plaque buildup, which irritates the gums, leading to inflammation.

The earliest stage of periodontal disease, known as gingivitis, produces subtle signs, such as redness, puffiness, and bleeding when brushing or flossing. Left untreated, gingivitis can progress to a severe and destructive condition known as periodontitis, which can result in gum recession, bone loss, and even tooth loss.

Periodontal disease often develops quietly, without pain, which is why it often goes untreated until it has advanced. Keeping up with your regular dental exams and cleanings will help detect any early signs of gum inflammation, ensuring prompt treatment.

How Does Periodontal Disease Impact Your Health?

Periodontal disease is more than just about your smile; it can significantly impact your health. Harmful oral bacteria can enter your bloodstream and travel throughout your body, triggering an inflammatory response. Studies show a connection between gum disease and systemic concerns, such as heart disease, diabetes complications, stroke, and Alzheimer's disease. By maintaining your gum health, you are actively protecting your overall health and well-being.

How Is Periodontal Disease Treated?

Our team at JW Dental may recommend one or a combination of the following periodontal disease treatments to restore and maintain your gum health:

Scaling and Root Planing (SRP): This non-surgical deep dental cleaning procedure starts with removing plaque and tartar from your tooth surfaces and along and below your gumline. Next, we will gently clean and smooth your tooth root surfaces to discourage bacterial regrowth and promote gum tissue healing. Scaling and root planing can reverse gingivitis in most cases, restoring your gum health. If the condition has advanced to periodontitis, a deep dental cleaning is not necessarily a cure, but it can help prevent further damage to your gums and tissues that hold your teeth in place, preserving your natural smile.

Perio Protect: Perio Protect is one of the latest innovations in periodontal care. The non-invasive procedure involves the use of custom-fitted trays to deliver a medicated gel directly into your gingival pockets, where periodontal disease-causing bacteria thrive. Wearing your Perio Protect trays for a few minutes daily can help eliminate harmful bacteria, significantly reduce gum inflammation and infection, and improve your gum health. The advanced treatment can enhance the outcomes of your scaling and root planing procedure, preventing the need for periodontal surgery in many cases.

ARESTIN Antibiotic Therapy: ARESTIN is a powerful antibiotic we offer, typically after scaling and root planing. We place the antibiotic powder in your periodontal pockets where it is gradually released over time, targeting the harmful bacteria linked to periodontal disease right at their source. The extended-release formulation helps control the infection and promote gum tissue healing.

What Is Periodontal Maintenance?

After treatment, we typically recommend regular periodontal maintenance visits every 3 to 4 months. During your appointments, we will gently and thoroughly clean your teeth, evaluate your gum health, and make adjustments to your periodontal care routine, if needed, to maintain your gum health.

In addition to regular in-office care, it is critical to maintain excellent oral hygiene care, including regular brushing, flossing, and rinsing with a special antimicrobial mouthwash. Our team at JW Dental is always happy to demonstrate how to best care for your teeth and gums to keep your smile as healthy as possible.