Periodontal treatment – Gums

It is a gum infection that gets worse over time.

Early-stage gum disease (gingivitis) includes swollen, bleeding gums. Some people experience no symptoms. It is reversible with timely treatment.
Advanced gum disease (periodontitis) occurs when the gums' inner layer pulls away from the teeth and forms pockets. Periodontitis is defined by the loss of bone supporting the teeth.
Who gets gum disease?
You may face a higher risk of gum disease if you:

Use tobacco.
Have diabetes, arthritis, heart disease and immune system disorders like HIV and AIDS.
Do not have good dental hygiene habits.
Have crooked teeth, loose fillings or permanent dental appliances like bridges that don’t fit well.
Have an immediate family member with a history of gum disease or early tooth loss.
Avoid seeing the dentist.
How can it affect my health?
Gum infections in their early stages may cause uncomfortable symptoms.

Advanced periodontitis can cause you to lose your teeth, making it difficult to eat. The bacteria from periodontitis can also raise your risk of health issues, including:

Diabetes.
Heart disease.
Lung disease.
Stroke.
Arthritis
How common is periodontal disease?
Nearly half of adults 30 years old or older have gum disease.
Seven in 10 adults 65 years old and older experience it.

What type of healthcare provider can help me?
A dentist can diagnose and treat gingivitis. You may need to see a specialist called a periodontist for advanced gum disease or symptoms that do not respond to standard treatments. Periodontists are dentists with extra training in treating complex gum disease.

 How do periodontists treat periodontitis?
Scaling and root planing is a procedure to clear away plaque and tartar that has spread to the tooth’s root. For many people with periodontitis, this is the only treatment that’s needed. In some cases, periodontists may need to do minor procedures to eliminate the periodontal disease. They may be able to rebuild the bone surrounding your teeth that was lost from the periodontal disease. Periodontitis treatments sometimes involve removal of the affected teeth.