Periodontal Disease Treatment at Your Waterloo Dentist
Periodontal disease begins as gingivitis, which, if left untreated, can progress to periodontitis and advanced gum disease. Periodontal issues have been associated with other medical conditions, including lung infections, diabetes and heart disease.
Common causes of gum disease treated by your Waterloo dentist include ageing, smoking, a poor diet and stress. You may also be at greater risk of periodontal disease if you have misaligned teeth or wear dental braces or a bridge, which make it more difficult to clean your teeth properly.
Gingivitis can generally be treated with antibiotics and a thorough cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist. If the condition develops into full-blown periodontitis, more invasive procedures will be necessary, including scaling and root planing or surgery and grafts.
Gum disease mainly affects people when they reach their 30s or 40s and is more prevalent among men.
Symptoms of periodontal disease include:
- Bleeding gums.
- Swollen gums.
- Persistent bad breath (halitosis).
- Receding gums.
- Sensitive teeth.
- Loose teeth.
- Pus between the gums and teeth.
- Mouth sores.
You can still have gum disease even if you don’t notice any symptoms, and the condition is often painless in the early stages. Periodontal treatment to reverse the progress of the infection may entail restoring the gum tissue, bone and ligaments that support your teeth.
Periodontal disease procedures and services at your Waterloo dentist include:
What is Periodontal Disease?
We can explain to our patients what causes gum disease and determine whether they are at greater risk than others.
Diagnosis
Early detection of gum disease is crucial for the most effective treatment. Your Waterloo dentist will carry out a periodontal examination as part of your routine check-ups.
Treatment
Initial treatment typically entails deep cleaning by scaling and root planing over a series of visits. The treatment may be reduced to a single appointment with the use of sedation. In cases where periodontal disease has become advanced, surgical measures may be needed to reposition and reshape bones, gums and other tissues supporting the teeth. In cases of severe bone loss, regrowth can be promoted by a bone graft.
Maintenance
If you have been treated for gum disease, your Waterloo dentist will recommend regular periodontal maintenance cleanings to reinforce your home oral hygiene routine.