Progression of periodontal disease and how is it treated?

The progress of Periodontal Disease

Healthy gingiva (gum tissue), periodontal ligament and bone anchor teeth firmly in place

Gingivitis develops as toxins, enzymes, and other plaque byproducts irritate the gums making them tender, swollen, and likely to bleed easily.

Periodontitis occurs when plaque byproducts destroy the tissues that anchor your teeth in the bone. As the disease progresses, pockets form, which allow more plaque to collect below the gum line. Tooth roots are exposed and become susceptible to decay and sensitive to cold and touch.

In advanced periodontitis, the teeth lose more support as the disease continues to destroy the periodontal ligament and bone. Unless treated, the affected teeth frequently become loose and may fall out or require removal by a dentist.

How are periodontal diseases treated?

Treatment methods depend upon the type of disease and how far the condition has progressed. The first step usually is a thorough cleaning that includes scaling to remove plaque and tartar deposits. The tooth roots also may be planed to smooth the root surface, allowing the gum tissue to heal and reattach to the tooth. In some cases, the occlusion, or bite, may require adjustment.

Your dentist also may recommend medications to help control infection, pain, or to encourage healing. These medications can be given in various forms: a pill that you would swallow, a liquid mouth rinse, or in a form that the dentist could place directly in the periodontal pocket after scaling and root planing.

Subgingival scaling.
Cleaning the tooth below the gum.

Root planing.
Smoothing the tooth root.

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