Periodontal Disease

What Is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is an infection of the tissues that support your teeth. It starts when plaque and tartar build up along the gum line, and bacteria irritate and inflame the gum tissue. Over time, this can lead to gum recession, bone loss, and even tooth loss if left untreated.

Many people think gum disease is just about bleeding gums, but it’s more than that – it affects your entire oral health. Your gums, tooth surfaces, and even the underlying bone can all be compromised. The condition ranges from mild inflammation (gingivitis) to advanced periodontitis, where gum pockets deepen and teeth may become loose.

The American Dental Association says untreated periodontal disease is one of the main reasons adults lose teeth. But with early detection and proper care, periodontitis treated professionally can often be managed or even reversed.

What Causes Periodontal Disease?

You might wonder, “Why do I have gum disease?” The causes often go back to poor oral hygiene or habits that allow bacteria to grow unchecked.

Common risk factors include:

• Not brushing or flossing regularly
• Not going to the dentist or skipping cleanings
• Hormonal changes, like during pregnancy or menopause
• Smoking or tobacco use
• Chronic illnesses like diabetes
• Certain medications that reduce saliva
• Family history of gum diseases

When plaque hardens into tartar buildup, bacteria thrive along your gum line and irritate. If this bacterial infection isn’t controlled, it can damage healthy bone and connective tissue and lead to tooth loss.

Common Signs and Symptoms

You may not always notice the early signs of gum disease right away. But being aware of the symptoms can help you act early.

Look out for:

• Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
• Tender gums or pain when chewing
• Persistent bad breath
• Gum recession or exposed roots
• Swollen or red gums
• Loose teeth or shifting teeth
• Increased space between teeth
• Sensitive or sensitive teeth
• Plaque and tartar around the gum line

These symptoms can start mild but worsen over time. Early signs may come and go, but if you notice persistent bleeding gums or bad breath, it’s time to book an initial consultation.

When to See a Dentist

If you’re unsure when to seek professional help, consider this: periodontal disease never improves on its own.

You should see a dentist if:

• You notice your gums bleeding often
• Your teeth feel loose or your bite feels different
• You have ongoing bad breath despite brushing
• You notice gum recession or sensitivity near your roots
• You see pus or swelling around the gums

Waiting too long allows severe periodontitis to progress, which can result in losing teeth and bone loss. Early intervention with periodontal disease treatment in Westminster can save your natural teeth and preserve a healthy mouth.

How We Diagnose and Assess It

At New Season Dental, your diagnosis begins with a detailed initial consultation. We review your medical history, do a full oral exam, and measure the depth of your gum pockets.

Our dental hygienist and dental professional will:

• Examine your gums for bleeding, swelling, or unwanted tissue
• Check for tartar buildup and affected teeth
• Use X-rays to evaluate bone density and underlying bone health
• Inspect tooth surfaces and root surfaces for infection

We may also discuss your lifestyle habits, medications, and overall oral hygiene routine. The process is gentle, and with local anesthetic if needed, it’s comfortable. The goal is to create a personalized treatment plan that suits you.

Treatment Options for Periodontal Disease

Treating periodontal disease depends on how advanced it is. At New Season Dental, we offer both non-surgical treatments and surgical procedures, focusing on comfort and long-term results.

Non-surgical Treatments

In the early stages, we often start with a deep cleaning called scaling and root planing. This removes plaque and tartar from below the gum line and smooths the root surfaces so the gum tissue can heal naturally.

We may also recommend:

• Topical antibiotics to control bacterial infection
• Oral antibiotics for more advanced infections
• Laser therapy to gently remove diseased tissue and sterilize the area

These non-surgical treatments reduce gum pockets, heal affected teeth, and promote healthy bone growth. Many patients notice improved oral hygiene and less bleeding within weeks.

Surgical Procedures

If non-surgical treatments don’t work, more advanced care may be needed. This could include:

• Flap surgery – to remove diseased tissue and access deeper infection
• Bone grafting – to restore bone density and promote bone growth
• Guided tissue regeneration – to help the body rebuild healthy bone
• Tissue-stimulating proteins – to repair the gum line

In some cases, laser treatment is used to target infection and promote healing without cutting. For patients who have lost teeth due to untreated periodontitis, dental implants can be part of the tooth replacement plan once the gums and bone are healthy.

Each treatment plan is tailored to your stage of periodontal disease, comfort level, and dental insurance coverage.

Why Choose New Season Dental for Periodontal Disease Treatment in Westminster?

Choosing the right dentist for periodontal disease treatment in Westminster makes a difference. At New Season Dental, we believe in treating patients like family – with kindness, transparency, and modern technology.

Here’s why patients choose us:

• Gentle care from an experienced dentist
• Personalised treatment plans based on your unique needs
• Laser therapy and deep cleaning
• Sedation options for nervous patients
• Friendly, caring team focused on your comfort
• Clear explanations at every step of care
• Support with dental insurance and flexible payment plans

We know dealing with gum disease can be stressful, but we make every visit as relaxing as possible.

How to Prevent Periodontal Disease

Preventing periodontal disease starts with good habits. Most cases develop due to poor oral hygiene, which means prevention is often in your control.

Here’s how to keep your mouth healthy:

• Brush twice a day and remove plaque with dental floss
• Visit your dentist regularly
• Follow up on recommended scaling and root planing if needed
• Don’t smoke and manage any hormonal changes or health issues
• Eat a balanced diet that supports healthy teeth and gums

Good oral hygiene every day and visiting your dentist can reduce the need for periodontitis treatment in the future.