PERIODONTICS-
GUM DISEASE TREATMENT
Protecting your smile foundation
Periodontal health is vital for maintaining the foundation of your teeth and overall oral wellness. Healthy gums support your teeth and help prevent issues like tooth loss, gum recession, and chronic bad breath. health and well-being.
Periodontal care at Pointe-Claire Dental
At Pointe-Claire Dental we are committed to your dental and overall health. Dr. Mauricio Galvis, dentist in Montreal West Island, may recommend a complete periodontal examination/screening when he has observed signs of gum disease during your oral exam. This simple and relatively painless procedure allows him to diagnose the severity of the periodontal disease.
During this appointment, we will take six different measurements around each tooth using a special tool to determine the depth of the space between the tooth and the gum. We will also evaluate gum recession, loosening or mobility of the teeth, and check for bone loss, bleeding and inflammation. Additionally, we will assess your individual risk factors.
A precise diagnosis is crucial in order to elaborate a treatment plan with predictable and long- term results.
What is Periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums and surrounding tissues that support your teeth. Gum disease is mainly caused by plaque (also called biofilm), a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth. Plaque may eventually harden into tartar (also known as calculus), a hard mineral shell that irritates and inflames healthy gum tissue and causes gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease. This can progress to more serious conditions if left untreated.
When bacteria accumulate around the gum line, they can cause inflammation, infection, and damage to the gums and bones that hold your teeth in place.
The first signs of gingivitis are
- red and puffy gums;
- traces of blood on your toothbrush and
- bad breath.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s a good idea to schedule a professional dental cleaning with one of our registered dental hygienists.
Gingivitis can usually be reversed with regular cleanings and improved home care.
If gingivitis is left untreated, pockets of infection begin to form between the teeth and the gums and may erode the tissue that attaches the tooth to the bone. This stage, caused by ongoing inflammation and infection, is called periodontitis. Additional manifestations are receding gums as well as sensitive and loose teeth.
According to the Canadian Dental Association, gum disease is the most common dental problem as well as the most common cause of tooth loss among adults, when not treated. It can progress without notice until it becomes a big problem that can lead to the destruction of the structures supporting your teeth and potentially cause tooth loss.
At Pointe-Claire dental, we believe in helping you understand the causes of periodontal disease so you can take proactive steps to protect your smile and overall health.
During your dental exams, your dentist in Pointe-Claire will assess the severity of your condition and provide personalized treatment recommendations.
Causes of Periodontal disease
- Accumulation of plaque and tartar from poor Oral Hygiene irritates the gums and causes inflammation. Without professional cleaning, plaque and tartar can lead to gum disease.
- Smoking and using tobacco weakens your body’s immune system, making it harder to fight off infections, including gum disease. Smokers are more likely to experience severe forms of gum disease and slower healing after treatment.
- If gum disease runs in your family, you may be at a higher risk, even with good oral hygiene. Regular dental checkups are important to catch early signs of periodontal problems.
- Hormonal Changes during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause can make gums more sensitive and prone to inflammation. This is why women are more vulnerable to developing gum issues at certain stages of life, making proper dental care during these times essential.
- Certain health conditions, like diabetes, increase the risk of developing gum disease. Diabetics are more prone to infections, and gum disease can make it harder to control blood sugar levels. Other conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and cardiovascular disease, are also linked to higher risks of gum problems.
- Some medications can cause dry mouth or affect gum health, leading to an increased risk of gum disease.
Periodontal disease is preventable. By practicing good oral hygiene—brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist for regular cleanings—you can significantly reduce your risk.
- Chronic stress weakens your immune system and reduces your body’s ability to fight off infections, including those affecting your gums. Stress can also lead to neglecting proper oral care, contributing to the development of periodontal disease.
- Grinding or clenching your teeth (a condition called bruxism) puts excessive pressure on the supporting structures of your teeth, including your gums, leading to gum recession and worsening periodontal disease.
- A diet lacking in essential nutrients, can compromise your body’s immune response and ability to heal. This weakens your gums and increases your vulnerability to infections and inflammation.
If you’re concerned about your gum health or want to learn more about prevention, we’re here to help.
At Pointe-Claire dental, our team is dedicated to providing expert, compassionate care to help you achieve optimal gum health.
Treatment for gum disease in Pointe-Claire
At Pointe-Claire dental clinic we offer you treatments to treat and manage gum disease effectively. The recommended treatment(s) will be planed based on your individual needs determined by the stage of the disease, your overall health and how you have reacted to earlier dental treatments, if applicable. In some cases the intervention of a periodontist may be required.
1
Scaling
The process of removing plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) from the tooth surfaces, especially around and just below the gum line. This buildup can irritate your gums and cause inflammation, leading to gum disease if not properly treated.
2
Root Planing or Deep cleaning
A deeper cleaning that smooths the surfaces of the tooth roots beneath the gum line. When plaque and bacteria accumulate, they create rough areas on the tooth roots, making it easier for bacteria to cling and for infection to spread. Root planing removes these rough spots, helping your gums reattach to your teeth and promoting healing.
When is a deep cleaning necessary?
While scaling is essential for removing the surface buildup that irritates your gums, it often isn’t enough on its own to fully treat gum disease. Root planing is necessary when gum disease, also known as periodontitis, has progressed beyond the early stages and has caused the gums to pull away from the teeth, creating pockets where bacteria thrive. This treatment is necessary to remove harmful bacteria, prevent the disease from worsening and protect your oral health.
Here’s when root planing becomes essential:
- Presence of deep gum pockets : When your dentist measures the space between your gums and teeth (pocket depth), healthy gums typically measure 1-3 millimeters. If the pockets are 4 millimeters or deeper, root planing is needed to clean out bacteria that can’t be removed by regular brushing, flossing, or standard cleanings.
- Gum Inflammation and Bleeding: If your gums are persistently red, swollen, and bleed easily, it may indicate advanced gum disease. Root planing helps to reduce inflammation by cleaning beneath the gum line, which can stop further gum irritation and infection.
- Tartar and Plaque buildup below the gum line: In cases where tartar (hardened plaque) has built up beneath the gum line, it cannot be removed with regular cleanings. Root planing is necessary to smooth the tooth roots and remove the buildup to prevent bacteria from sticking and causing further damage.
- Gum Recession or Tooth Sensitivity: When gum disease causes your gums to recede, the tooth roots become exposed, leading to increased sensitivity and discomfort. Root planing smooths the root surfaces, promoting gum healing and reattachment.
- Prevention of disease progression: If left untreated, periodontitis can result in bone loss, gum recession, and eventual tooth loss. Root planing is crucial in stopping the progression of the disease and preserving your teeth and gums.