Advanced Gum Disease — Understanding Periodontitis

Advanced Gum Disease, also known as Periodontitis, occurs when the soft tissues around teeth become infected. Many people in the United States have some form of gum disease, which is also one of the leading causes of tooth loss. 

If you delay the treatment, it can destroy the bones. If it persists for a long time, it might even lead to tooth loss. When you do not take care of your teeth and mouth, you increase the chances of such diseases. The community within Aliso Viejo boasts a high quality of life and access to quality healthcare services. Therefore, understanding how to prevent such diseases becomes crucial. 

Consulting a dentist in Aliso Viejo can give you a deeper insight into your gum health. Accordingly, dentists can suggest treatment plans considering the specific needs of their patients. Dentists in Aliso Viejo are also equipped with modern technology and dental tools. 

What are the symptoms of periodontitis? 

• Changes in the color of gum can range from deep red to deep purple. 
• Tender sensation in the gums upon touching. 
• Frequent bleeding in the gums. 
• Brushing or flossing may cause bleeding.
• Persistent bad breath even after brushing. 
• Pimples on gums filled with pus inside it. 
• Losing teeth gradually without any other underlying cause. 
• Experiencing pain when trying to chew food.
• Swelling around the gums and puffiness. 
• Starting to see a receding gum line in which your teeth’s upper area might become more visible than it should. 

What are the different stages of gum disease?

Gingivitis

It is the first stage, where you start to see puffiness around your gums. You will also notice bleeding when brushing your teeth. Since it is the earliest stage, you will not notice any bone loss. Due to this reason, you can get your normal gums back with proper dental care. 

Mild periodontitis

Here, in the second stage, your bones start to get affected. The bones that support your teeth begin to lose their strength. Furthermore, plaque starts to accumulate in the areas where mere brushing would not do any good. You begin to notice receding gum lines. 

Moderate periodontitis

Until this stage, you will start to notice the erosion of your ligaments. Soft tissues will start to get disrupted, as they are responsible for keeping your teeth in place. Furthermore, your mouth will begin to smell bad even when you have already brushed your teeth. Not all will experience pain in the third stage, but some will.

Advanced periodontitis

It is a severe and final stage, in which bone loss worsens, and teeth start to become loose. If left untreated, tooth loss will occur. 

What are the treatment options for Periodontitis?

Pocket reduction surgery for moderate-stage gum disease

In this type of surgery, dentists try to remove plaque (tartar) buildup from deep within the gums. A periodontist cuts the gums to clean them thoroughly. Once they are done cleaning, they will try to smooth the edges and stitch the gums. They might even combine this surgery with other methods, such as bone grafting. 

Scaling and rooting can be done to clean the gums deeper

Such methods are similar to dental cleaning except that they are concerned with deeper cleaning. The hygienist here tries to remove the build-up (plaque) and then smooth out the root cleaning. During the procedure, local anesthesia might be used to ensure the patient’s comfort. It usually takes only two visits to complete. 

• Gum grafting to recover your lost gum tissues

It is a procedure used when there is a loss of tissues. The periodontist tries to add thickness to your gums and ass tissues as well. The tissue can be taken from your mouth or a tissue bank. 

Can a person prevent gum disease?

The answer is yes! Proper oral hygiene and avoiding cigarettes can significantly contribute to that. Some people are more susceptible to gum diseases, so they might need more frequent dental cleanings.