How Early Detection Can Prevent Advanced Periodontal Disease
Health Nearly half of all Americans have mild, moderate, or severe periodontal disease. This condition can wreak havoc on your oral health, eventually leading to serious dental concerns such as mobility and tooth loss. Did you know that gum disease is typically not painful in the early stages? Therefore, it is important to recognize other signs and symptoms which could indicate a problem. As with many health conditions, the early detection of periodontal disease could save you not only time and money, but your future oral health as well.
The Stages of Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease progresses through three different stages. We will discuss them in the sections below.
Gingivitis
The first stage, gingivitis, is characterized by red, puffy, and tender gums that may bleed when you brush or floss. This may be accompanied by bad breath or a bad taste. This condition is the gum tissue’s response to irritants on the teeth. If plaque and tartar are not routinely removed, bacteria will breed. In turn, the gums will become irritated. Gingivitis can actually be reversed through a thorough dental cleaning and improved hygiene techniques.
Periodontitis
When gingivitis is left untreated, the condition will worsen. The bacteria will cause an infection in the gums, which will eventually seep below the gum line and erode the bone that supports the teeth. At this point, pockets around the teeth have formed. These areas cannot be reached with a toothbrush or floss, despite even the best hygiene techniques. While the bacteria can be eradicated through nonsurgical or surgical means, the bone that is lost will not grow back.
Advanced Periodontitis
If periodontitis remains untreated, the condition will worsen even further. The underlying jawbone will continue to deteriorate. As more and more bone loss occurs, the teeth will become mobile, and in some cases, may even fall out. In addition to the array of dental problems that come along with advanced periodontitis, there are overall health concerns to consider as well. For example, the very same bacteria found in the oral cavity is also being carried throughout the entire body, to all major organs and tissues. This is why gum disease has been linked to serious health conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and more. Advanced periodontitis can be treated through gum surgery, which involves making incisions and moving the gums back. After cleaning out the infection, the gum tissue is repositioned.
Diagnosing Periodontal Disease
During every routine dental examination, your doctor will measure the pockets around the teeth using a special dental instrument called a periodontal probe. The further the instrument falls into the gum line, the more bone loss you have. For example, when a four-millimeter pocket is detected, it usually signifies gingivitis. Anything higher than that denotes periodontitis – the higher the number, the more advanced. This process, called periodontal charting, can be completed in just a few moments’ time, and it is absolutely crucial to your oral health.
Early Detection is Key
As you can imagine, based on the different stages of gum disease, the earlier the condition is detected, the better your chances for optimal oral health. While gingivitis can be treated with a simple dental cleaning, periodontitis requires more expensive and invasive procedures. That is why attending routine dental visits is so important. Early detection can save you worry, time, and lots of money down the road.
If you would like to learn more about gum disease and the treatments that can reverse it, contact Metropolitan Dental Care. Our practice is proud to serve Denver and Lone Tree, CO. You can contact us online or give us a call at
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