More than 42% over the age of 30 and almost 60% of adults over 65 years have this disease. For 1 in 12, it is advanced and severe. It’s even worse for those who smoke or have diabetes.
It causes inflammation, bleeding and bad breath. It breaks down gum tissue, bone, and connective tissue and can lead to bone loss, including loss of teeth.
Studies indicate that it may contribute to the progression of cancer, heart disease, stroke, respiratory disease, inflammatory illnesses and Alzheimer's disease.
Many do not realize they have this disease because it is not always obvious nor painful in the early stages. It is easy to overlook and often not taken seriously.
What is it? The culprit is Gum disease, also called Periodontal disease.
How is it treated?
The good news is that Periodontal disease is easily diagnosed, treatable and, with good hygiene, it may be reversed in the early stages.
Gingivitis (Early Stage)
1. Dental cleaning and improved oral hygiene
People who have very early Periodontal disease (gingivitis) may be able to reverse the condition with routine dental cleaning and improved oral hygiene. Because there’s no bone loss yet, this conservative approach gets rid of harmful oral bacteria before the disease has a chance to progress.
Proper oral hygiene includes brushing two to three times a day, flossing daily, using antiseptic mouthwash, and visiting the dentist for regular exams and cleanings.
Mild to Moderate Periodontitis
2. Scaling and root planing (SRP)
Scaling and root planing is similar to routine dental cleaning. But it cleans deeper beneath your gums, removing plaque and bacteria where your toothbrush and floss can’t reach. Periodontists recommend this treatment for people with mild gum disease.
During this procedure, a dental hygienist cleans (scales) the plaque from your teeth and then smooths out (planes) your root surfaces to keep bacteria from reattaching. The procedure is usually done in several visits using local anesthesia.
3. Antibiotic Therapy
Local antibiotics (gel or chip placed in pockets) or oral antibiotics to control infection.
4. Stepped Up Care
Improved care is essential to prevent re-infection and includes more frequent cleanings (every 3–4 months) and consistent, dedicated home care.
Advanced Periodontitis
5. Pocket reduction surgery
People with moderate to advanced gum disease may need pocket reduction surgery (also called osseous surgery). The goal is to remove plaque and tartar that are so deep under the gums that cannot be reached by a hygienist. During this procedure, a periodontist makes a cut in the gums and creates a flap. This allows them to temporarily move the gums back from teeth roots.
The next step is to clean the plaque, tartar and bacteria from teeth roots and smooth out any rough areas. Once complete, they’ll reposition the gums and close the incision with stitches.
6. Laser Therapy or LANAP (Laser-assisted new attachment procedure)
Some dentists, including periodontists, also offer pocket reduction with lasers. This procedure treats periodontitis using a handheld laser. The laser targets diseased gum tissue while leaving healthy tissue intact.
This is a less-invasive alternative to traditional pocket reduction surgery. But results are mixed.
7. Bone grafting
A periodontist may use a dental bone graft to replace bone that has been lost to gum disease. Once the infection is cleaned out, bone grafting material is placed into the areas where the bone has eroded. This material acts as scaffolding or a space-holder, giving your body time to regenerate its own bone over time.
8. Gum grafting
If an individual has lost gum tissue to periodontal disease, gum graft surgery, also called tissue grafting, may be recommended. This procedure covers exposed teeth roots and adds thickness to the gum line.
During this procedure, a periodontist adds tissue to the areas of gum recession. This tissue may come from the roof of the mouth, or it may be purchased from a licensed bone and tissue bank.
9. Guided tissue regeneration (GTR)
Usually, periodontists use guided tissue regeneration in combination with a bone graft. GTR helps repair periodontal defects (areas of broken-down bone) and prevents soft tissue from growing into these areas.
During GTR, a periodontist places an artificial membrane between the gums and the newly placed bone grafting material. Soft tissue regenerates faster than bone, so the membrane keeps that space open so new bone can grow there instead of soft tissue.
10. Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP)
Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) contain growth factors that speed up healing and tissue regeneration. A periodontist can get PRF and PRP from a small blood sample. They’ll spin the sample in a centrifuge to separate plasma from the red blood cells. Then they’ll place the platelet-rich plasma or fibrin at the surgical site.
This type of therapy can also shorten recovery times and reduce post-surgical pain.
