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Periodontal Gum Disease Treatment: Prevent Tooth and Bone Damage
Magnolia Dental Care provides specialized gum disease treatment in Edina, MN, focusing on halting infection and preserving your natural teeth. Led by Dr. Sarah Latterell, our approach combines advanced diagnostics with non-surgical deep cleanings (scaling and root planing) to restore periodontal health and prevent tooth loss.
Periodontal disease begins as an infection of the gums and is caused by a build-up of bacteria in the mouth. If left untreated, it can cause damage to the bone surrounding the teeth. Periodontal gum disease treatment involves a deep cleaning of the gums to prevent bone loss.
What causes Periodontal Gum Disease?
Periodontal gum disease is generally caused by poor dental hygiene. The build-up of bacteria over time can lead to more severe dental and health issues. As bacteria builds, it deposits minerals in the mouth known as tartar. Tartar and bacteria then lead to inflammation, which can disrupt the tooth at its root and socket.
What Are The Signs and Stages of Periodontal Disease?
It is important to know the signs and stages of periodontitis/gum disease in order to prevent further deterioration.
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The first sign of periodontal disease is inflammation (also known as gingivitis): Early signs are puffy, bleeding gums when you brush your teeth and discoloration due to a buildup of plaque on the teeth.
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The next stage of the disease is periodontitis with progressive tissue and bone loss. Deeper pockets form around the teeth, which become more susceptible to the buildup of bacteria. At this stage, there is continued bleeding, detectable bone loss and receding gums.
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As the disease worsens, you will experience bleeding and pain around the teeth as well as further gum recession. You may also experience sensitivity, loose teeth, infection, and inflammation in other parts of the body.
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At the advanced stages of periodontitis, the tissue that connects the gum and teeth begins to rapidly deteriorate. You will also experience severe pain, abscesses, bad breath, and tooth loss.
How Do You Treat Periodontal Gum Disease?
Periodontal gum disease is assessed at a routine dental appointment. Dr. Sarah or your hygienist will use a probe to gently measure the pockets around each tooth. Healthy gums will usually measure 3mm or less. The more severe the periodontal disease, the deeper the pocket depth. Digital dental X-rays also aid in diagnosing gum disease.
To treat periodontal gum disease, Dr. Sarah and her team will:
Frequently Asked Questions
The earliest stage of gum disease is known as gingivitis. Common symptoms include puffy or swollen gums, redness, and bleeding when you brush or floss. If you notice persistent bad breath or gums that seem to be pulling away from your teeth, it’s important to schedule an evaluation.
During your routine exam, Dr. Sarah Latterell or a dental hygienist will use a small probe to gently measure the “pockets” (the space between your tooth and gum). Healthy gums typically measure 3mm or less. Deeper pockets may be an indication of gum disease and we will use digital X-rays to verify and determine the stage of the disease.
Often called a “deep cleaning,” scaling and root planing is a non-surgical treatment for gum disease. Scaling involves removing plaque and tartar from the tooth surface and below the gumline. Root planing involves smoothing the roots of the teeth to help the gum tissue reattach and eliminate pockets where bacteria hide.
Yes. Untreated periodontal disease is an infection that can cause inflammation in other parts of the body. It has been linked to systemic health issues such as diabetes and heart disease. Controlling gum disease is a vital step in maintaining your total body wellness.
While scaling and root planing can effectively manage the infection, gum disease requires ongoing maintenance. We will provide custom-tailored oral hygiene instructions and may recommend more frequent maintenance cleanings to prevent the bacteria from returning and to protect your bone and tooth structure.