Periodontal Care
Portland, OR
Understanding Periodontal Disease and Available TreatmentsPeriodontal disease, or gum disease as it is commonly known, is a serious dental health issue that affects many people. When it occurs, it can lead to several oral health problems, starting with the damage of the gum tissue to damage of the jawbone, and eventually, multiple tooth loss. Periodontal disease can also have some general health consequences - it has been known to increase the risk of heart disease, respiratory problems, pneumonia, and others. Fortunately, there are available treatment solutions that can help you to regain your oral and overall health if you are suffering from the disease. At Portland City Dental, we offer periodontal care, which can help to manage your condition, and remedy the dental problems already caused. If you are considering this solution, please read on to find out more.
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is a condition that is characterized by a bacterial infection in the mouth. The infection starts by causing inflammation of the gum tissue, which causes the gums to appear red and swollen. The infection of the gums is the first stage of the condition, and it is commonly known as gingivitis.
If gingivitis is not treated, the infection can then spread below the gums, where it infects the bone tissue, causing it to be inflamed. This starts the process of bone deterioration, which (combined with the damaged gum tissue) can greatly affect the support system of the teeth.
What Causes Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is usually caused by poor oral hygiene, which allows the bacteria in the mouth to accumulate - mixing with the food particles and saliva to form plaque. Plaque, a sticky film, sticks onto the surface of the teeth, and over time, it can harden to form tartar, which sticks even below the gumline. When the plaque and tartar are not removed, the harmful bacteria they contain starts to irritate the gums, leading to an infection.
Aside from poor oral hygiene, the risk of periodontal disease can be increased by several factors such as:
| • |
Crooked teeth, they make it easy for plaque and tartar to build up
|
| • |
Smoking or chewing tobacco, it interferes with the natural healing process, making you vulnerable to infections
|
| • |
Cancer and cancer treatments, these tax the immune system, leaving your body vulnerable to various infection
|
| • |
Lack of regular (or no) dental care to detect and offer preventive care
|
What Treatment Solutions Are Available?
There are several treatments for gum disease that we can offer as part of our periodontal care. However, the treatments vary from one patient to another, usually depending on how advanced the condition is, and the side effects (dental problems) it has caused. Popular treatments include:
| • |
Professional cleaning
: This is the professional cleaning of the teeth to get rid of the plaque that has accumulated. It helps to stop further infection of the tissues by getting rid of the bacteria.
|
| • |
Deep cleaning: Deep cleaning involves scraping of the tooth roots and smoothening them (popularly known and scaling and root planning). It helps to get rid of tartar (formed below the gums) while making it hard for more plaque and tartar to attach to the roots.
|
| • |
Pocket reduction surgery: The infection and inflammation of the gum tissue can read to receding gums, which creates deep pockets between the gums and the teeth. Pocket reduction surgery aims to reduce these pockets.
|
| • |
Gum and bone grafting surgery: When the infection has advanced too much, extensive damage can be done to the gum and bone tissues. Tissue grafting surgeries aim to grow new healthy tissues to replace the damaged ones.
|
| • |
Gum lift surgery: The infection of the gum tissue can also lead to an uneven gumline, which can greatly affect your appearance. Gum lift surgery is a cosmetic procedure we offer as part of the periodontal care, which helps to restore an even gumline, thus giving you a great smile. |
Are you suffering from periodontal disease? Portland City Dental can provide you with treatment solutions and periodontal maintenance to help control the condition. Call us today at (503) 256-7917 to learn more about our periodontal care, or to book an appointment. |
