Periodontal Treatment
Periodontal Disease
- About Periodontal Disease
- Preventing Periodontal Disease
- Women and Periodontal Health
- Oral Pathology
Non-Surgical Treatment
Periodontal Surgery
About Periodontal Disease
Periodontics Presentation
To provide you with a better understanding of periodontics, we have provided the following multimedia presentation. Many common questions pertaining to periodontics are discussed.
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Periodontal diseases are infections of the gums that gradually destroy the support of your natural teeth. Dental plaque is the primary cause of gum disease in individuals. Bacteria found in plaque produce toxins or poisons that irritate the gums. They may cause the gums to turn red, swell, and bleed easily. If this irritation is prolonged, the gums separate from the teeth causing spaces to form which are called pockets. Plaque can also harden into a rough, porous substance known as calculus or tartar. This can occur both above and below the gum line. As periodontal disease progresses, the supporting gum tissue and bone that hold the teeth in place deteriorates. If left untreated, this leads to tooth loss. However, don’t be fooled. With periodontal disease, bleeding, redness, and swelling do not have to be present. Further, pain is usually not associated with periodontal disease. This disease damages the teeth, gum, and jawbone of more than 80 percent of Americans by age 45.