Periodontics
Sussex, WI
Have you been diagnosed with periodontal or gum disease? In addition to your regular dental checkups, it is a good idea for you to also have a yearly periodontal check-up. We offer these at our Sussex, WI dentist office to clients living all across the Sussex, Lannon, Merton & Lisbon, WI area. Once periodontal disease has progressed, it is often a matter of regular maintenance visits to help keep the disease in check. Chronic periodontitis can lead to the loss of tissue and bone that support the teeth and it may become more severe over time. Periodontal disease cannot be cured; however, we have measures to help slow or stop the progression. The periodontal treatment methods our dentist recommend will depend upon the type of disease and how far it has progressed.
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Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common oral health condition that can have significant effects on your oral health and quality of life if it goes untreated. What begins as redness and swelling of your gums can quickly turn into gum recession, wobbly teeth, and even tooth loss. Gum disease cannot be reversed, nor does it go away on its own. In fact, the longer it goes untreated, the worse it becomes. If you are faced with gum disease, Sussex Dental can help restore your oral health with periodontics.
What is Periodontics?Periodontics is a dental specialty. This particular specialty deals with diagnosing and treating a wide variety of issues that affect the health of your gums and the other supporting structures of your teeth. Our dentists are highly trained and experienced in diagnosing and treating gum disease. With effective treatment, we can help stop the progression of periodontal disease and restore the health of your mouth.
The Development of Gum DiseaseGum disease is a progressive oral health condition that affects more than the health of your gums. In addition to your gums, it can also impact the health of your teeth and their supporting structures. Gum disease starts when plaque and bacteria build up on the surfaces of your teeth. These substances irritate your gums, which then leads to inflammation. The gums begin to swell and pull away from your teeth. This leads to the formation of periodontal pockets, which collect bacteria. Bacteria below the gum line begin attacking your periodontal ligaments and your jawbone, causing them to weaken. Eventually, you could be faced with gum recession, loose teeth, and even tooth loss.
Periodontal Disease SymptomsThere are various symptoms of periodontal disease. The symptoms you experience will vary based on how advanced your periodontal disease is. Common symptoms of gum disease include:| • |
Gums that are red and swollen. They may also bleed when you brush and floss. These are the earliest warning signs of gum disease and are indicative of gingivitis, the first stage. However, these symptoms are often overlooked.
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Receding gums. When bacteria get into the periodontal pockets, they continue to attack the gums from the inside. As the tissue continues to swell, the pockets grow deeper and infected tissue dies off. You may notice that your teeth appear longer and that small spaces have formed between your teeth. Gum recession can also expose the roots of your teeth, which can lead to sensitivity.
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Chronic bad breath.
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Your teeth become loose. As the periodontal ligaments and your bone weaken, your teeth become unstable.
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Tooth loss. |
How is Gum Disease Treated?Diagnosing gum disease is done through a thorough oral exam. Our dentists will look over your gums, noting redness, swelling, periodontal pockets, and gum recession. We also take X-rays, which enable us to assess the condition of your periodontal ligaments and your jawbone. Once we have diagnosed gum disease and assessed its severity, we are then able to provide you with an effective treatment plan. Treatments for gum disease include:| • |
Scaling and root planing.
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Periodontal maintenance.
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Pocket reduction surgery.
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Soft tissue grafting.
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Bone-grafting. |
When you are faced with symptoms of gum disease, it is important to address these symptoms as soon as possible. Call Sussex Dental at (262) 246-6806 to schedule your dentist appointment today. |
