Periodontal Disease

What is periodontal disease?

The word "periodontal" literally means "around the tooth". Periodontal disease (also known as "gum disease", "pyorrhea" or "periodontal infection") is an ongoing bacterial infection in the gums and bone around your teeth. This infection leads to an inflammation under the gums. If not treated, this inflammation can destroy the bone around your teeth. This results in tooth loss. 75% of all adult tooth loss is due to periodontal infection.

More importantly, research has associated periodontal infection to several serious medical problems; including heart disease, diabetes and stroke. As ongoing research continues to define how periodontal disease is associated with these and other health problems, good oral health is essential. Periodontal health is a key component to a healthy body.

How does an "ongoing infection" work?

With many infections, particularly with an abrasion, the area becomes infected and inflamed. It may last for days or weeks, but eventually the inflammation goes away. The inflammation disappears when your immune system conquers the bacteria and the infection heals.

With an ONGOING infection, your immune system never wins the battle and the infection keeps growing and the inflammation never goes away. Periodontal disease is an ongoing infection in the pockets around your teeth. Your immune system is losing the battle. Without treatment, the infection will progress with the ultimate result being the loss of your teeth.

Other Factors Contributing to Periodontal Disease

People with periodontal disease have low resistance to periodontal bacteria. This causes an ongoing gum infection that grows in "bursts" of activity. Each time it grows, more support for your teeth is lost. Some factors that can cause a "burst" of activity are:

Poor oral hygiene Dental plaque Smoking Genetic factors Diet Illness  Stress or tension Bruxing or clenching your teeth

Getting Periodontal Infection Treated Right Away

When your infection has a burst of activity, or when there are signs that this is about to occur, your general dentist may recommend you see a periodontist.

Symptoms of Periodontal Infection

Periodontal infection is usually painless until it reaches an advanced stage. However, there are some symptoms which can indicate the presence of periodontal infection.

These include:

If you notice any of the above warning signs of periodontal infection, please contact your general dentist and ask for a periodontal evaluation.

Important Note: Your gums can look and feel quite normal and yet deep pockets of periodontal infection can still be present. To be certain about any periodontal disease, ask your dentist or periodontist to examine your gums for signs of infection.

Who is a Periodontist?

A periodontist is a dentist who has had specialized training in a dental residency program. They specialize in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease. Many periodontists have also taken advanced training in the placement of dental implants. Periodontists receive extensive training in these areas, including 2 to 3 additional years of education beyond dental school. Periodontics is one of the 8 specialties recognized by the American Dental Association.

Periodontists may also specialize in other areas and provide other treatments, such as crown lengthening, bone regeneration, TMJ, occlusal therapy and sleep apnea.