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Periodontal diseases are infections of the gums, which gradually destroy the support of your natural teeth. There are numerous disease entities requiring different treatment approaches. Dental plaque (bacteria and their byproducts/toxins) is the primary cause of gum disease in genetically susceptible individuals. Daily brushing and flossing will prevent most periodontal conditions.
Why is oral hygiene so important? Adults past the age of 35 lose more teeth due to gum diseases, (Periodontal Disease) than from cavities. Three out of four adults are affected at some time in their life. The best way to prevent cavities and Periodontal Diseases is when good tooth brushing and flossing techniques are performed daily.
Periodontal Disease and Decay are both caused by Bacterial Plaque. Plaque is a colorless film, which sticks to your teeth at the gumline. Plaque consists of germs on your teeth. By thorough daily brushing and flossing you can remove these germs and help prevent Periodontal Disease. If not carefully removed by daily brushing and flossing, plaque hardens into a rough, porous substance known as calculus (or tartar). Tartar can only be removed with special instruments by the dentist or hygienist. Whereas plaque can be removed by you (as long as you can get to it). The limitation of personal home care is about 3.5 mm (or about 1/16th of an inch) under the gumline.
Treatment methods depend upon the type of disease and how far the condition has progressed. The emphasis in Dr. Hubbel's practice is conservative periodontal therapy. Many times, the early stages of periodontal disease are best treated with non-surgical periodontal therapy. This usually consists of placing a fine ultrasonic tip or hand scaler/curette in between the tooth and gum tissue to remove bacterial plaque and calculus (tartar) below the gum line. The tooth roots may also be planed to smooth the root surfaces. This procedure is commonly known as Scaling and Root Planing or Periodontal Debridement. This initial periodontal therapy along with good personal oral hygiene allows the gum tissue to heal and reattach to the tooth. Four to six weeks later, periodontal pockets are eliminated due to gum shrinkage (if the disease is in its earliest stage). Then the patient can personally maintain these areas with routine brushing and flossing.
Even in most severe cases of periodontal disease, non-surgical periodontal therapy most often precedes surgical therapy. This is done so that the active periodontal infection is reduced and the overall tissue quality is improved prior to surgery. This procedure may also limit the areas requiring surgery.
If you are experiencing any of these issues above, we can help - please contact us at 972.624-0068