Periodontal Therapy
At Rupenthal Dentistry, we emphasize preventive dentistry to help our patients maintain their oral health and avoid issues like tooth decay and periodontal disease. Sometimes, periodontal disease can still develop due to poor oral hygiene or a medical predisposition. If you receive a periodontal disease diagnosis, we'll be here to help you manage the diagnosis and get your oral health back on track.
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease (also called gum disease) is a bacterial infection that affects the gums, periodontal ligaments, and bone tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth. Periodontal disease develops when plaque and tartar accumulate and push the gums away from the surface of the teeth, creating dark, moist pockets where harmful bacteria thrive.
The Stages of Periodontitis
There are four stages of periodontitis which include:
Stage 1
Although bacteria are always present inside the mouth, these patients have the bacteria under control and have healthy teeth and gums.
Stage 2
This stage is referred to as gingivitis. It is characterized by the buildup of plaque and tartar, which causes inflamed and bleeding gums or gums that bleed easily.
Stage 3
This stage is called periodontitis and is characterized by significant tartar buildup that has caused periodontal pockets in addition to some bone deterioration.
Stage 4
This stage is known as advanced periodontitis. It is marked by deep periodontal pockets and significant bone loss leading to the loss of teeth.
The Stages of Periodontitis
Periodontal disease causes a variety of signs and symptoms, which can vary and worsen depending on the stage of the infection. These signs and symptoms include:
Persistently Bad Breath
Swollen, Red Gums
Gums That Bleed Easily
Sore Gums
Gum Recession
Tooth Sensitivity
Loose Teeth
Tooth Loss
Changes To Your Bite Or The Way Your Teeth Fit Together (Occlusion)
If you have any of these issues, we strongly encourage you to schedule a dental checkup and speak with Dr. Rupenthal about the symptoms you are experiencing.
The Importance of Treating Periodontal Disease
Unaddressed periodontal disease can spread harmful bacteria throughout the body, leading to systemic infections and generalized inflammation. Untreated periodontal disease has also been associated with an increased risk of systemic diseases and issues such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, dementia, rheumatoid arthritis, reproductive health problems, and more.
Treatment for periodontal disease depends on how advanced a patient's case is. More mild cases of gum disease can often be adequately addressed with improved oral hygiene and more frequent professional dental cleanings. More severe cases typically require additional treatments such as periodontal scaling and root planing, antibiotic gels and trays, antibiotic prescriptions, and sometimes surgery to remove diseased gum tissues.
Of course, the best treatment for periodontal disease is always prevention with routine dental exams and cleanings and good oral hygiene at home.
Periodontal Disease Treatment and Therapy With Our Dentist in Carmel
At Rupenthal Dentistry, we strive to help patients maintain their oral health so that they never have to deal with periodontal disease. Sometimes, however, gum disease can still develop. If you receive a periodontal disease diagnosis, we will be here to answer your questions and provide you with a personalized treatment recommendation designed to manage your periodontal disease and restore your oral health.
To learn more or schedule an appointment with Dr. Rupenthal, we welcome you to contact our dental office in Carmel today.