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Periodontitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Periodontal Therapy

Cherrywood Dental • Jul 18, 2019

Periodontitis  is a bacterial infection that affects the gums and the supportive structure of the teeth. Its primary cause is poor oral hygiene, which creates a conducive environment for periodontal bacteria to thrive.

The American Dental Association estimates  42 percent of American adults  above 30 years to have some level of periodontitis. Overall, 80 percent of Americans have periodontal disease. It’s the leading cause of tooth loss and a risk factor for lung and heart disease.

Development of Periodontitis

Periodontal bacteria produce a sticky substance called plaque in the patient’s mouth. It covers the teeth and hardens into tartar. Tartar is an insoluble substance that causes inflammation in the gum leading to infection.

Early symptoms of periodontitis include redness, swelling, and bleeding of the gum. Your gums pull away from the teeth as the disease advances.

What to Expect From Periodontal Therapy

Your doctor may employ standard periodontal treatment or soft tissue laser according to your situation.

Scaling and Root Planing (SRT)

SRT is another name for deep cleaning. The procedure acts on the plaque and tooth roots, targeting the periodontal pockets beneath the gum line. Antibiotic treatment and careful cleaning are essential to prevent gum disease from recurring.

Soft Tissue Laser

Laser-assisted therapy is more effective in treating gum disease. It’s less invasive, yet it reaches deep periodontal pockets with high precision using a thin laser beam.

The treatment is more comfortable for the patient. For this reason, it reduces the need for local anesthesia.

Soft tissue laser also speeds up healing and stimulates tissue growth. This is a notable advantage since it reverses the damage of periodontitis to the gum tissue.

Book an Appointment with the Experts

Consult an experienced dentist immediately you note the first signs of gum disease. Early diagnosis and treatment will spare you the pain of gum disease and the possibility of tooth loss.

At Cherrywood Dental Associates, we approach dental care with the latest technology. We can restore the health, strength, and beauty of your teeth once and for all.

Contact us  now to request an appointment.

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