Periodontics Specialist
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Sunny Smile Dentistry
Marzena Zachwieja, DDS
General Dentist located in Old Bridge, NJ
While everyone tries to take good care of their teeth, sometimes you can fall behind on your dental health. If you’re suffering from periodontal disease and want to get back on track with your dental health, Marzena Zachwieja, DDS, at Sunny Smile Dentistry in Old Bridge, New Jersey can help. Untreated periodontal disease can eventually cause loose teeth and is even linked to other health problems such as diabetes and heart disease. To take the first step on the path toward great dental health, schedule an appointment online or by phone today.
Periodontics
What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is the infection of the areas around your teeth, including your gums, ligaments, and jawbone.
Periodontal disease progresses in stages. Gingivitis, the first stage, is an infection of your gums, which can include bleeding, swollen, and receding gums. In more advanced stages of periodontal disease, the infection has spread and can eventually cause loose teeth.
The disease starts when extra plaque builds up on your teeth. When it spreads below your gums, it can’t be reached by a toothbrush. Then, the bacteria continue to grow, causing more inflammation and infection. This causes pockets of space to develop between your teeth and gums.
The growth of the pockets then leads to more plaque and bacteria, worsening the infection. Eventually, the infection can spread to the jawbone and surrounding tissue.
How is periodontal disease treated?
In the early stages (gingivitis), a professional cleaning may be enough to treat the condition. Advanced periodontal disease can be treated using several strategies:
- Scaling: plaque buildup above your gumline and in the pockets is removed using tools, an ultrasonic device, or a laser
- Planing: the roots of the tooth are smoothed down so that further bacteria can’t grow there
- Antibiotics: rinses, gels, or oral pills in severe cases can be used to help control the infection
The best ways to prevent gum disease are to brush and floss regularly, and visit Sunny Smile Dentistry twice a year for cleanings. It’s important to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and not brush too hard.
If you smoke, try to quit or cut back, eat a balanced diet, and make sure you pay attention to your oral health so you notice signs of early periodontal disease like bleeding and swollen gums or gum recession.
What is a graft?
If your periodontal disease is advanced, you may need a graft. This is when tissue in another part of your mouth is used to cover the space where your gums have receded from your teeth.
If the recession isn’t treated, it could cause tooth sensitivity and eventually may damage the bone that supports your teeth or cause tooth loss.
Periodontal disease is treatable; call Sunny Smile Dentistry or use online booking to schedule an appointment today.
