Periodontal Disease Treatment in San Diego

Almost half of the American adults have gum disease, and many of them have yet to receive treatment for their condition. Ignoring symptoms of gum disease can be dangerous, and not only for the health of your mouth.

Gum disease is the number one cause of tooth loss, and having untreated periodontal disease can increase your risk of heart disease, having low birth-weight babies for expectant mothers, and can affect blood sugar control if you are a diabetic. If you’re concerned about the health of your gums and live in the San Diego area, Dr. Sabine Purps at Fine Dentistry can develop a periodontal treatment plan to help lessen your chances of tooth loss and other health complications.

What is Gum Disease?

Gingivitis:

Gingivitis is an early form of gum disease. Oral bacteria and food particles collect on the teeth forming a sticky substance called, “plaque.” If left undisturbed this plaque can become hardened onto the teeth and is then referred to as tartar or calculus. The longer the plaque and tartar remain on the teeth the more detrimental they can become.

Gingivitis is characterized by redness, bleeding, and inflammation of the gum tissues without any resulting destruction of bone or gum attachment, and can usually be treated with a professional dental cleaning and improved home care.

Periodontitis:

Periodontitis, or periodontal disease, is a process in which oral bacteria and the toxins they produce cause inflammation in the structures that hold our teeth in place. If left undisturbed this bacterial process can lead to the loss of the gum attachment to the tooth resulting in the formation of pockets around the teeth. As these pockets form and continue to deepen down the side of the teeth the types of bacteria residing in them get more aggressive and destructive.

Eventually, gum attachment loss and bone loss can lead to an unaesthetic “long-in-the-tooth” appearance and can make home hygiene increasingly more difficult to manage. As the teeth continue to lose their natural attachment to the gums and bone, loosening of the teeth can occur and eventually can result in complete tooth loss. Systemic diseases, ineffective brushing and flossing, ill-fitting or failing dental restorations, clenching and grinding of the teeth, and lack of thorough professional cleaning can all exacerbate the periodontal disease process.

What Are the Symptoms of Gum Disease?

Gum disease is a progressive condition with symptoms developing over time. Some of the symptoms of the disease include:

• Bleeding of the gums
• Redness, swelling, and recession of the gum tissue
• Chronic bad breath
• Pain
• Loose teeth
• New spaces forming between the teeth
• Mouth sores

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important that you undergo a periodontal examination as soon as possible.

What Are the Periodontal Treatments for Gum Disease?

There are a number of treatments for periodontal disease, including but not limited to:

• Scaling and Root Planning to remove bacteria and tartar from periodontal pockets and to smooth tooth surfaces to discourage new bacterial growth.
• Periodontal maintenance to remove tartar and disrupt bacterial colonization in periodontal pockets on a regular schedule, typically after Scaling and Root planning has been completed.
• Austin, a nonsurgical antibacterial agent, can be placed to promote healing after periodontal treatment.
• The success of periodontal therapy is contingent on you having the information and skills you need to keep your teeth clean between dental visits. Understanding your condition and implementing new oral hygiene strategies are paramount to improving your periodontal health.
• If Periodontal disease does not respond to traditional treatment approaches, a referral to a gum specialist (Periodontist) may be indicated.

Why Should I Choose Fine Dentistry for Gum Disease Treatment in San Diego? 

Dr. Sabine A. Purps of Fine Dentistry approaches periodontal treatment with a Root cause, or whole-body wellness perspective.

During your initial evaluation with Dr. Purps, she will work to uncover why you have developed gum disease, to provide you education and counseling so that you will understand your condition and how it is affecting your overall health, and to put strategies in place to improve your periodontal health in the future. Their goal is to help you keep your own natural teeth in place for life.

Contact Fine Dentistry to schedule your appointment with Dr. Purps and take the first step toward having a healthy smile.