Do you have sensitive gums? When you brush and floss, do your gums bleed? You may have gingivitis or gum inflammation. Gum inflammation is a precursor to gum disease or periodontitis. Harmful bacteria in the mouth create plaque, a sticky bacterial film that can form on the teeth and gums.
Over time, plaque can harden in the gum pockets and on teeth. Patients with gum disease can experience gum irritation and pain. At Gun Barrel Dental Center, Dr. Rachel Barone offers periodontal disease treatment in Boulder, CO. She helps patients restore their smiles with comprehensive, deep-cleaning treatments. We also treat additional restorative dentistry treatments in Boulder, CO.
The Stages of Periodontal Disease
Gingivitis
Gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease, is an inflammatory condition that affects the gums surrounding the teeth. It is characterized by the inflammation and swelling of the gingival tissues, often accompanied by redness, tenderness, and bleeding during brushing or flossing. The cause of gingivitis is typically from plaque buildup. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that accumulates on the teeth and along the gum line.
While gingivitis is reversible, it is crucial to address it promptly to prevent its progression to more severe forms of periodontal disease. Neglecting gingivitis can lead to the breakdown of the gum tissue, potentially resulting in the formation of periodontal pockets, bone loss, and, ultimately, tooth loss.
Periodontitis
If left untreated, gingivitis will progress to the next stage, periodontitis. Periodontitis is a severe gum infection that wrecks havoc on your teeth, gums, and the underlying bone. This transition occurs when the inflammation spreads from the gums to the underlying bone and connective tissues that are both responsible for supporting your teeth.
The gums begin to pull away from the teeth leaving behind deep pockets that collect bacteria, plaque, and tartar. This bacterial buildup can destroy the bone and connective tissues, ultimately resulting in tooth loosening. The progression of gingivitis to periodontitis is gradual. It can take years to manifest. However, certain factors will accelerate the progressions, such as:
- Poor oral hygiene practices
- Smoking or tobacco use
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Genetic predisposition
- Compromised immune system
It is crucial to recognize the signs of progression and seek professional dental care promptly to prevent further damage and potential tooth loss.
Advanced Periodontitis
This is the most progressive and advanced stage of gum disease. Advanced periodontitis, also known as severe periodontitis, causes the most damage to oral health. It characterizes extensive bone loss, deep pockets, and significant gum recession. The destruction of the supporting bone and connective tissues is vast, leading to considerable tooth mobility and even tooth loss.
Advanced periodontitis can profoundly impact a person’s quality of life. It affects oral health and can destroy self-confidence and overall well-being. Rapid and aggressive treatment is crucial to prevent further damage, such as total tooth loss. The symptoms of advanced periodontitis can be severe and debilitating, including deep pockets around the teeth greater than 6mm, tooth movement, severe bad breath, and tooth loss.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
Common signs of gum disease often include:
- Gum irritation and pain
- Inflammation
- Red or purple gums
- Bleeding gums
- Gum recession
- Loose teeth
Over time, gum disease can lead to gum recession and tooth loss. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with our dental office for care before your gum problems worsen.
Periodontal Disease Treatment in Boulder, CO
At regular dental appointments, we offer prophylaxis cleaning or routine dental cleaning. These cleanings remove bacteria from teeth above the gum line and help prevent tooth decay and gum disease. We recommend these treatments for patients with gum disease:
Scaling and Root Planing
This advanced dental cleaning treatment can prevent the spread of gum disease. Scaling and root planing remove bacteria deposits on and beneath the gums and even tooth roots. We remove calculus, or hardened plaque, beneath the gum line during scaling treatment. Additionally, we use a high-vibration handheld dental tool to remove bacterial buildup from the tooth. Then, we smooth uneven areas of the tooth and tooth roots.
Periodontal Maintenance Therapy
After we treat patients with gum disease, we will require maintenance treatments to keep bacterial buildup from the gum pockets. Even after periodontal treatment, patients can experience bacterial buildup months later. Typically, we perform periodontal maintenance therapy every 3 to 4 months. However, we will work with you to find a schedule that best fits your needs. Some patients may need to visit our office more frequently to prevent the spread of periodontitis.
During this treatment, we will measure the depth of the gum pockets. We may also take digital x-rays to ensure the health of the supporting bone. Then, we will perform a scaling and root planing treatment.
Prevent Gum Disease
Contact our office for a routine cleaning at 720-881-0614. If you have noticed the signs of gum disease, please schedule a dental appointment on our website, and we can help.