Good oral hygiene is very helpful in preventing periodontal disease. Brush your teeth, floss, and use an antibacterial mouth rinse at least once daily (follow the manufacturer's instructions). Prioritize regular professional dental check-ups to catch problems early.
Regular periodontal treatment is important to keep gums in good condition and should be performed often; otherwise, serious dental concerns may arise.
Family Dental Health Center specializes in comprehensive periodontal care, and our experienced team excels at giving you the expert attention you need while ensuring your comfort. We have successfully helped numerous patients in our Idaho Falls clinic restore their oral health with our advanced gum disease treatment.
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Gum disease, more formally known as periodontal disease, is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the gums and their surrounding tissues.
Gingivitis is the first stage; it causes your gums to turn red, swell, and bleed easily. When left untreated, it can develop into periodontitis, inflammation around the tooth and bone that causes deep pockets and damages tissue.
The signs of periodontal disease include:
- Halitosis (bad breath)
- Gums that are red or swollen
- Tender and bleeding gums on brushing
- Gum pain when chewing
- Loose teeth or loss of alveolar bone (often seen as receding gum lines revealing the root area, which causes tooth sensitivity)
If these symptoms are caught early, we can prevent gum disease from progressing into more severe stages.
Risks of Untreated Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease creates considerable risk for oral and general health if left untreated.
Compromised oral health
Ultimately, tooth loss is a primary consequence of untreated gum disease. The bone and tissues holding teeth in place deteriorate, resulting in loose or lost teeth. Receding gums, abscesses, or infections—and the accompanying pain—all become much more noticeable. Jawbone atrophy can also cause changes to the facial shape.
Systemic issues
Periodontitis is associated with various systemic health diseases. Gum disease might lead to coronary artery inflammation and, consequently, an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Bacteria in the mouth are aspirated into the lungs, which results in respiratory issues. This bacteria can also inflame the joints, causing rheumatoid arthritis. In pregnant women with gum disease, there is a risk of preterm birth or a low-birth-weight baby.
Additional risks
Periodontal disease has been associated with other health problems, such as chronic inflammation and continual halitosis (bad breath). It can also interfere with your ability to chew and talk properly, significantly impacting your quality of life.
Our Periodontal Services
The periodontal treatment services we provide at Family Dental Health Center include:
Scaling and root planing
This procedure is a more extensive cleaning that addresses plaque and tartar above or below the gum line. After this treatment, gums can often reattach to the teeth.
Periodontal maintenance
Regular maintenance visits are essential for the successful management of periodontal disease. The teeth are carefully cleaned during these visits to avoid recurring gum disease.
Gum graft surgery
This surgery corrects receding gums by transplanting healthy gum tissue to affected areas, covering exposed roots, and decreasing sensitivity.
Pocket reduction surgery
Also called flap surgeries, pocket reduction surgeries reduce the pocket size around the teeth, making the cleaning process easier and minimizing infection risks.
Dental implants
We recommend dental implants as a permanent solution for patients who have already lost teeth to gum disease. Dental implants can restore teeth's functionality and appearance.
FAQs About Periodontal Disease
How can I prevent periodontal disease?
How often should I visit the dentist if I have periodontal disease?
If you have periodontitis, it is strongly suggested that you see your dentist at least twice a year—more often if indicated by your dentist. Some periodontal patients visit the dentist as frequently as every few weeks.
Is periodontal treatment painful?
The majority of periodontal treatments are carried out under local anesthesia to minimize any discomfort. After a treatment, you may experience some immediate pain, but nothing more than what is easily managed with over-the-counter pain medications.
Can periodontal disease be cured?
No, but it can be effectively managed by receiving the appropriate periodontal treatment and maintenance.
Are there any side effects of periodontal treatment?
Most gum disease treatments have minor side effects, including temporary sensitivity, discomfort, or swelling. However, our team will provide you with tips to reduce side effects.
How much does periodontal treatment cost?
The average price for periodontal treatment depends on the stage of gum disease and the type of treatment required. Please contact our office to discuss your financing options and schedule a thorough assessment.
Ready to Improve Your Gum Health?
Are you experiencing symptoms of periodontal disease? Contact Family Dental Health today to learn more about our periodontal treatments and schedule a consultation. We’re here to help you work toward healthier gums.