What is Periodontal Disease?

  Periodontal disease, also know as gum disease, is one of the most common infections in the United States today.  Fact is that 3 out of 4 adults at some time in their life will be affected. 

  Despite the number of people with this infection many do not believe that they have it.  Periodontal disease may not necessarily hurt and a person may not even be aware that they have the disease until they reach an advanced stage level. 

  The word "periodontal" means "around the tooth" and in specific refers to the gums, tissue, and bone surrounding the tooth.  Periodontal disease is a bacteria based gum infection that destroys the attachment fibers/tissues and supporting bone structure that hold your teeth in place.

  The main cause of this disease is bacterial plaque, a sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth.  Daily oral hygiene, proper brushing and flossing, is a must for preventing plaque build-up.  In time if the plaque build-up is not removed it can turn into a hard substance referred to as calculus. The hardened calculus may then extend down below the gum line and into the tooth roots.   It is in this breeding ground where bacteria begins its destructive course. 

  Toxins (poisons) produced in the bacteria irritate the gums and thus cause infections.  During this initial phase of the disease symptoms may not be readily noticeable, however below the gum line toxins and bacteria may be destroying vital tooth supporting tissue.  In time the disease, if not treated, will cause gums to separate from teeth, forming pockets that will fill with even more plaque and infection. 

  As this disease progresses these pockets deepen.  Gum tissue is destroyed in addition to supporting  bone structure.  Eventually teeth will become loose and if not treated will fall out.  This disease can affect one or many teeth at a time and in the most advanced stages may result in the inevitable removal of the infected teeth.

If you've noticed any of these symptoms...

• Gums bleeding during daily tooth brushing
• Red, swollen, or tender gums
• Gums that have pulled away from your teeth
• Loose or separating teeth
• Persistent bad breath
• Pus between the gums and teeth
• A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
• A change in the fit of partial dentures

  If you've noticed any of these symptoms it's time to call Dr. Almeida and arrange for a complete periodontal examination.  During this examination a determination will be made relative to the type and level advancement of periodontal disease you are experiencing such as;

• Gingivitis - The mildest form of periodontal disease
• Chronic Periodontitis - A condition resulting in the inflammation within the soft tissue surrounding the teeth which can cause progressive attachment and bone loss.  This is the most common stage found in adults, but can occur at any age.
• Aggressive Periodontitis - The common feature in this stage is the fact that tissue attachment and bone structure loss become more rapid.  This accelerated level of periodontitis make tooth loss more inevitable.

  Once Dr. Almeida has evaluated your periodontitis she'll work with you to determine the best treatment options available to you.  Her objective will be to control the disease and bring you back to health.  Your treatment options can vary depending upon the level of periodontitis you are experiencing.

  If diagnosed and treated in the early stages, simple non-surgical periodontal therapy may be all that is needed.  If your periodontitis has advanced to where the pockets surrounding the teeth are deep and bone loss is significant, surgical treatment may be needed.

What if I need surgery?

  You may need periodontal surgery if Dr. Almeida has determined that the tissues around your teeth are unhealthy and cannot be repaired with standard non-surgical treatment options.

Will it hurt?

  New treatment options using refined techniques are performed comfortably as office procedures.  Improvements in medications, local anesthesia, anxiety and pain control are available to make your treatment more pleasant and comfortable.

  Once your periodontitis has been controlled, patients will require ongoing periodontal maintenance check-ups to sustain health.  The ongoing treatment process will allow Dr. Almeida to assess your health and progress; to make sure your infection stays under control or remains eliminated. 

  Periodontal disease is a chronic disease, just like diabetes.  Without careful ongoing treatment, periodontal disease can and often do recur.