Periodontal Disease

A routine dental checkup can help detect the early and advanced stages of periodontal disease. This disease is also known as gum disease and eventually leads to tooth decay and loss. Early symptoms of gum disease include tenderness to your gums, swelling and redness, or bleeding when touching or brushing the gum line. This first stage of periodontal disease is known as gingivitis and will progress to periodontitis if not treated by our Torrance dentist. Early detection helps to provide immediate treatment and decreases the risk of further damage to your teeth and gums.

Periodontitis is an advanced stage of periodontal disease that causes the gum line to recede away from the teeth due to the buildup of plaque and tartar on your teeth. The receded sections of your gum become infected and pockets are formed that hold infection. The gum continues to become inflamed and bleeding continues to be present. Advanced periodontitis destroys the bone tissue as the gum line recedes causing loose teeth that are eventually lost inflicting serious damage to your smile.

How Periodontal Disease is Detected

• Digital X-Rays
• Periodontal Examination
• Periodontal Probing

Treatment for Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is completely treatable. After periodontal disease has been detected and diagnosed, advanced procedures known as root planing and scaling can be performed by our Torrance cosmetic dentist. The removal of plaque, tarter and infection from above and below the gum line allow the pockets holding the infection to reduce in size and heal. A variety of additional treatments may be recommended to help reverse periodontal disease. These can include dental approved toothpaste, specially designed dental mouth rinses or antibiotics.

Advanced periodontal surgeries may be required if infected pockets do not heal or reduce in size. Pockets that do not decrease make it difficult to clean teeth properly to avoid further infection and bone degeneration. A good oral hygiene program can be created to help ensure that periodontal disease does not return and cause further damage. Daily brushing and flossing along with regular periodontal cleanings are preventative measures to prevent the onset of periodontal disease.