Location via proxy:   [ UP ]  
[Report a bug]   [Manage cookies]                

4 Levels of Perio DZ

Download as pdf or txt
Download as pdf or txt
You are on page 1of 2

The Four Levels of Periodontal Disease

Periodontal Disease (also known as Gum Disease) is an ongoing infection in the gums and jawbone surrounding
your teeth. It is a health risk and leads to dental problems, tooth loss, and other potential systemic risks/issues.
How Periodontal Disease Progresses

Warning Treatment &


The Four Levels Signs & Symptoms Consequences If Untreated

Gingivitis: Level 1
At this stage, there are few signs or The main treatment for gingivitis is
Infectious periodontal bacteria (plaque) symptoms. Some indications of good oral hygiene (brushing & flossing)
get into the space (sulcus) around your gingivitis include: at home and regular dental check-ups
teeth and start infecting your gums. with your dentist or periodontist.
 Occasional bad breath
 Redness and swelling of the gums If not treated, gingivitis can lead to:
 Bleeding when flossing  Periodontal disease
 Probing depths of 2-4 mm  Deeper pockets of infection
 Gingival abscesses
*Note: Bone loss has not yet started  Cavities & other dental procedures
The infection is completely reversible  Eventual tooth loss

Slight Periodontal Disease: Level 2 At this stage, periodontal disease can


remain “silent” with few signs and Treatment for slight to moderate perio-
Moderate Periodontal Disease:Level 3 symptoms. Some signs to look for are: dontal disease can include scaling &
root planing (deep cleaning). This
The infection now extends deeper under  Increased redness of gums removes the deep deposits of bacteria
your gums and is destroying the support-  Worsening bad breath (plaque and calculus) causing your gum
ing bone. Your bacteria types change and
cause more bone loss as your pockets get
 Bleeding on brushing and flossing infection.
deeper. Eliminating the bacteria through  Slight: If not treated (or only partially treated)
daily oral hygiene is impossible. Probing depths 4-5 mm and monitored closely, periodontitis can
 Moderate: lead to:
Probing depths 6-7 mm  Progressing bone loss
 Pain is unlikely despite the deeper  Tooth/teeth loosening
infection and bone loss  More bleeding & pus
*Note: At this point, infectious perio-  Worsening infectious bacteria
dontal bacteria are regularly entering  Gum recession and sensitivity
your blood stream and stressing your
immune system.
 Shifting teeth

Advanced Periodontal Disease: Periodontal disease at this stage is no The infection is now so deep that
Level 4 longer “silent”. The risk of tooth loss periodontal surgery or periodontal laser
The infection further deepens and the increases significantly. 50% - 90% therapy is needed to clean out these
bacteria becomes more virulent and dis- bone loss can occur. Periodontal ab- deeper pockets of bacteria.
ease-causing. Your teeth are now prone scesses occur more frequently. Sponta-
If not treated and monitored closely,
to further bone loss and loosening. neous bleeding and pus drainage oc-
advanced periodontitis leads to:
curs. Some signs include:
 Gum recession and cold sensitivity
 Redness, swelling, and oozing gums
 Spaces/gaps between teeth
 Cold sensitivity and tooth mobility
worsens  Shifting and loose teeth
 Pocket depths of 7+ mm  Teeth loss & then dentures
 Pain when chewing  Bacteria readily enters the blood
stream. This contributes to other
 Severe bad breath systemic health problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is it important to treat Periodontal Disease quickly?
Periodontal Disease is a continuing infection in the gums and bone around your teeth. If left untreated, this
infection can cause tooth loss and many other problems. Periodontal infections tend to occur in “bursts of
destruction”. If you have been diagnosed with periodontal disease, you might have experienced such a
“burst” and it is important to get it treated quickly before things get worse.

2. Why can’t I feel Periodontal Disease?


While 75% of all tooth loss is due to periodontal disease, its symptoms are usually NOT very noticeable.
Your dentist or periodontist will be able to tell if you have periodontal disease and to what stage it has progressed.
In its more advanced stages, you might notice bleeding while brushing or some spaces between your teeth.

3. How is Periodontal Disease Treated?


Periodontal bacteria must be removed before it causes more damage. This is often accomplished through careful
deep cleaning of the root surfaces. In advanced cases, this can be done using a special periodontal dental laser or
other proven surgical techniques. The nature of the periodontal disease will influence which treatment option is
recommended. Our focus is on giving you predictable results and long term health benefits.

4. Why is the Periodontal Laser Treatment recommended (Periolase)?


 Recovery time is very rapid and patient discomfort is minimal.
 The Periolase laser precisely targets and removes diseased tissues, even deeper bacterial deposits.
 Minimal disruption to daily life. You can return to your daily routine after treatment.
 Minimal post-treatment complications.
 Minimal gum recession following treatment.
* Laser therapy is also an excellent for treating periodontal disease around dental implants (called
peri-implantitis). Your general dentist or periodontist will recommend laser therapy if you are a candidate.

5. Is Periodontal Treatment Successful?


Yes, periodontal disease can be treated quite successfully. Afterwards, most patients will need routine
periodontal cleanings to maintain their teeth. Periodontal disease prevention is important for long term teeth
retention and infection control. Fortunately, newer techniques and equipment have greatly increased patient
comfort and treatment results. Successful treatment will help you keep your teeth with improved health,
longevity, and stability. Treatment can also help prevent your periodontal infection from getting into your
bloodstream and contributing to other health problems.

In Summary
The good news is that Periodontal Disease is quite treatable if caught early. What’s important is to see your
dentist or periodontist regularly and follow his/her instructions regarding treatment.
We hope that this article has been helpful. If you have any questions about periodontal disease or treatment,
please do not hesitate to ask your dentist or us.

Perio News
… this newsletter represents our opinion about
current periodontal technologies / procedures...

Compliments of:
Paul Tolmie, D.D.S. Kenneth Rasenberger, D.M.D. Chris van Kesteren, D.D.S.
2315 West Arbors Drive, Ste 100 Charlotte, NC 28262 (704) 549-4991
www.trvperio.com

You might also like