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Periodontal (Gum) Disease
The gums around teeth serve an important role in the mouth, they protect the bone that supports the teeth.
Peiodontal disease occurs when oral hygiene is inadequate and allows bacteria to overwhelm the normal defense mechanisms in the mouth. Bacteria infect the gums and destroy the bone leading to tooth loss. If periodontal disease is severe, it can leave a person completely edentulous (toothless) and require prosthetic dentures for tooth replacement.
The early signs of Periodontal Disease include swollen red gums and bleeding gums. As the bacteria accumulates, the disease progresses and the gums and bone deteriorate to expose the roots of the tooth. Eventually, there will not be enough bone to support the tooth, the tooth becomes loose, and then lost.
Periodontal Treatment
There is no cure for periodontal disease, but the progression can be stopped. Treatment is aimed at removing the bacteria and allowing the gums and bone to heal. Treatment is not merely a professional dental cleaning. Local anesthetic is required to remove the infection deep under the gums close to the bone surrounding the teeth. In some cases an antibiotic (Arestin) may be recommended due to the severity of the infection.
Since there is no cure for periodontal disease, treatment is ongoing at home with better oral hygiene and regular dental cleanings. We will recommend dental instruments and show you how to properly clean your teeth at home. The goal after treatment is PREVENTION, and not allowing the condition to reoccur.
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