What Is Periodontitis And How Is It Treated?

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Gum Disease
By Sanders Family Dental

Periodontitis, or gum problem, is a severe gum infection that destroys the soft tissue and if left untreated, can damage the alveolar bone that supports your teeth. This, in fact, may increase the chances of heart attack, stroke, and other health issues. The name “Periodontitis” means “inflammation around the tooth.” Periodontitis can cause teeth to loosen or result in progressive tooth loss.

What are the Symptoms?

Symptoms and signs of Periodontitis are generally: swollen or puffy gums, gums bleeding easily, bright red, dusky red or purplish gums, bad breath, pain while chewing, loose teeth or loss of teeth, pus between your teeth and gums, change in the way your teeth fit together whenever you bite.

Its Causes

Our mouths are full of bacteria. In maximum cases, the growth of Periodontitis begins with a plaque which is a sticky, colorless layer made up of mostly bacteria along with mucus and other particles. If you don’t visit your dentist at the right time, here’s how plaque can harden to form tartar and ultimately advance to Periodontitis.

How Is Gum Issue Treated in Lombard, IL?

We do provide you the best Periodontal Treatment in Lombard, IL! Treatment may be conducted by a Periodontist, a dentist, or a dental hygienist. The ultimate aim of treatment is to control the infection and to promote the reconnection of healthy gums to teeth. The number and kinds of treatment will differ, based on the extent of the gum problem, how you may have responded to previous treatments and your overall health.  Options vary from nonsurgical treatment that hinders bacterial growth to surgery to revive supportive tissues.

The specialist will thoroughly clean the pockets around teeth to stop damage to the surrounding bone. If Periodontitis isn’t advanced, then there are non-surgical treatments that may implicate less invasive procedures such as scaling, root planning, or intake of oral Antibiotics. And if your Periodontitis is in an advanced stage, then treatment may need dental surgery which includes: Flap surgery (pocket reduction surgery), bone grafting, soft tissue grafting, guided tissue regeneration, tissue-stimulating proteins. Your doctor will examine you and draft a proper treatment plan.

Prevention and Care

You have the best chance for successful treatment when you also follow a daily routine of good oral care which includes: brushing your teeth for two minutes at least twice daily, flossing at least once a day, use of a good antibacterial mouth-wash, maintaining a well -balanced diet. Also quit smoking and reduce stress. Remember to visit your dentist for cleanings, generally after every six to 12 months.

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