The Stages of Periodontal Disease

When was the last time that you visited a dentist near you for teeth cleaning? Was it over a year ago? If you are feeling guilty right now, it is time to schedule that appointment!

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends a biannual visit to the dentist. It is essential to keep up with your checkups because, this way, our dentist in Edina may detect early signs of oral disease.

What is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is the infection of the tissues that support your dentition. In its worst stages, your teeth may fall out due to the lack of support. 

Sadly, periodontal disease in Edina is increasing, which is why we want to explain it in detail. 

You may divide it into three stages:

1.Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the first stage of the disease. It occurs when your gums are inflamed. 

Why do they inflame? Because of dental plaque accumulation. Dental plaque is a sticky film that contains bacteria, food debris, and saliva. If it is present, the gingiva irritates, and you may bleed when brushing or flossing your teeth.

If you have experienced this bleeding, you must visit a dentist for teeth cleaning. A dental professional will remove plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) buildup with a scaler. At home, you must brush your dentition and floss daily to heal.

Gingivitis is reversible, so if you notice gum irritation, you don't need treatment for periodontal disease near you, but taking good care of your teeth at home.

2.Periodontitis

Now, if Gingivitis advances, your dentist will detect a pocket between your gums and the roots of your teeth. Healthy gums are firmly attached to your dental pieces. When you have periodontal disease, you may have a pocket deeper than 3mm. In these cases, teeth cleaning is not enough.

Besides bleeding when brushing and flossing, you will experience bad breath and apparent bigger size of your teeth (since the gums recede). 

Your dentist will remove the tartar from around and below the gum line with scrapers, and they will smooth the roots. The procedure is called root scaling and planing. 

After the first session, your gums will heal and attach to your teeth. Your dentist may suggest an anti micro bialagent.

3.Severe Periodontitis

In this stage, the recession is severe. Your bone recedes as well, and you may need gum and bone grafting to repair the damage.

Your dental professional will schedule several appointments, and they will remove the infection by quadrants. Depending on the damage, it may take two to four visits.

They will administer a local anesthetic to numb the area to make it as comfortable as possible.

Antibiotics may be necessary during this stage. 

If the recession is irreparable, your doctor will extract the dental pieces (some fall out on their own due to the shifting) and suggest restorative options, such as dental implants with dental crowns on top. 

The Bottom Line

Periodontal disease has three stages. The first one only affects the gingiva and is reversible. By keeping up with oral care habits, you may defeat it. 

When the infection affects the bone and ligaments, you must look for a periodontist near you as soon as possible. Not doing so leads to missing teeth.

We suggest visiting a dental professional every six months for teeth cleanings, fluoride applications, and preventative checkups. Your doctor will be able to monitor any signs of an issue before it harms your oral health.

For any questions or information, contact us at your best convenience. Our team will be happy to help you enhance your smile!

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