Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory condition which gradually destroys the support of your natural teeth. Periodontal treatment is necessary when various conditions affect the health of your gums and jawbone that retain your teeth. When your gums become unhealthy, they can recede and/or become swollen and red. In later stages, the supporting bone is destroyed which may cause tooth movement, shifting and/or tooth loss.
Periodontal disease affects one or more of the periodontal tissues: alveolar bone, periodontal ligament, cementum, and gingiva. While there are many dental diseases which affect the tooth-supporting structures, plaque-induced inflammatory lesions make up the majority of periodontal issues, and are divided into two categories: gingivitis and periodontitis. While gingivitis, the less serious of the diseases, may never progress into periodontitis, it always precedes periodontitis.
Dental plaque is the primary cause of gingivitis. Plaque is a sticky colorless film, composed primarily of food particles and various types of bacteria, which adhere to your teeth at and below the gum line. Bacteria found in plaque produce biological toxins that irritate the gums. If this irritation is prolonged, the gums separate from the teeth causing pockets (spaces) to form. If daily brushing and flossing is neglected, plaque can also harden into a rough, porous substance known as calculus (or tartar). This can occur both above and below the gum line.
If gingivitis progresses into periodontitis, the supporting gum tissue and bone that holds teeth in place deteriorate. The progressive loss of this alevolar bone can lead to loosening and subsequent loss of teeth. Periodontitis is affected by bacteria that adhere to the tooth's surface, along with an overly aggressive immune response to these bacteria.
Periodontal disease poses a significant problem because it is often painless and symptomless. Most Americans will be afflicted with periodontal disease by age 45, and the majority of patients with the disease are unaware they have it. It is important to perform effective daily oral hygiene and have regular dental care to reduce the risk and complications of periodontal disease.
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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For a brief narrated overview of periodontics, please click the image on the right. It will launch our flash educational MiniModule in a separate window that may answer some of your questions about periodontics.
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