Periodontal Disease Therapy
Your oral health contributes to your overall health. Don’t let periodontal disease sabotage your smile and well-being. We have a range of therapies to get your gums back on track.
Periodontal disease 101
Periodontal disease (gum disease) is a bacterial infection of the soft tissues that hold the teeth in place. In its earliest stage, called gingivitis in dentist-speak, gum disease can be reversed. But if not treated, the gums and bone pull away from the teeth, creating pockets that collect food and bacteria.
Eventually, the condition progresses into periodontitis, gingivitis’ more severe cousin. At this point, the body’s immune response and the toxins produced by plaque bacteria cause the gums, bone, and connective tissue to deteriorate. This can result in tooth loss and, potentially, even systemic health conditions.
Revitalizes Gums
Therapy treats the infection and removes plaque from the periodontal pockets and below the gumline, helping to restore gum health.
Therapy treats the infection and removes plaque from the periodontal pockets and below the gumline, helping to restore gum health.
Prevents Tooth Loss
Periodontal disease therapy wards off tooth loss by stopping further deterioration of the teeth-supporting tissues and bone.
Periodontal disease therapy wards off tooth loss by stopping further deterioration of the teeth-supporting tissues and bone.
Protects Overall Health
Gum disease is tied to health conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, and heart disease, so managing it is important.
Gum disease is tied to health conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, and heart disease, so managing it is important.
Gum disease treatment options
Gingivitis can often be cured with professional dental care and excellent oral hygiene. While the damage from periodontitis can’t be reversed, we can treat the infection and prevent your gum disease from progressing.
Your Kitsilano dentist will create a personalized treatment plan that could include one or more of the following:
Scaling and root planing
This deep cleaning technique removes plaque and tartar from beneath the gum tissue.
Medication
Antibiotics can be placed in the periodontal pockets as a first line of defense or following scaling and root planing.
Laser treatment
Non-surgical laser treatment removes the diseased and inflamed tissue without using incisions.
Surgical procedures
In severe cases, we may need to replace gum and bone tissue with grafting procedures or reshape the gums for better aesthetics and function.
What is the best treatment for periodontal disease?
The best treatment for periodontal disease will depend on factors like the severity of your condition and the areas affected. The dentist will help you decide on the right option for your case.
How can you tell if you have gum disease?
You can probably guess what we’re going to say, but the only way to determine for sure if you have gum disease is to see a dentist for an evaluation.
Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, here are some signs of periodontal disease:
- Red, swollen gums
- Gums that bleed easily, particularly when brushing and flossing
- Bad breath
- Tenderness
- Gums pulling away from the teeth
- Pain when chewing
- Pus in between the teeth and gums
- Loose teeth
- Changes in the way your top and bottom teeth fit together (i.e., your bite)
- Changes in how your dentures fit
- Tooth loss
Can you reverse periodontal disease?
Gingivitis can be reversed with proper dental care and oral hygiene. Once the condition progresses into periodontitis, it can’t be reversed. The good news is that with the right treatment, we can get rid of the infection and stop the damage from getting worse.
