CAUSES OF GUM DISEASE
It's no doubt that our mouths are full of bacteria from mucus, saliva, food, and other particles. These elements form sticky residue on teeth called PLAQUE. Plaque is very easy to clean and remove through brushing and flossing. However, if neglected, plaque can harden and form into a substance called TARTAR, which brushing and flossing alone can’t remove. Tartar can only be removed by a dental hygienist or dentist with the right tools. Failure to remove tartar and plaque on teeth can lead to further complications in your oral health. Our gums get highly sensitive and irritated from the bacteria that it gets inflamed. This inflammation is called GINGIVITIS and can be noticed when gum start to bleed easily, becomes red, and swollen. Further lack of oral care to treat gingivitis can then lead to PERIODONTAL DISEASE (Gum Disease).

THE SILENT KILLER: PERIODONTAL DISEASE
Did you know, over 80% of Americans don't know that they have gum disease? It's true! Periodontal Disease (or Periodontitis) is also known as "The Silent Killer". It may appear from the outside that your teeth look perfectly fine, however, it's the health of what's under the gums that matter. Gum disease can target and create damage to both your gums and bones that support your teeth.

STAGES OF PERIODONTAL DISEASE

TREATING PERIODONTITIS
A PERIODONTIST is a dental specialist who treats periodontal disease and has extensive knowledge on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum disease. Treating periodontal disease provides with a more maintainable environment around your teeth and gum. A PROBE (image on the left) is used to measure the pockets around your teeth. The higher the depth, the higher the severity. At Center City Emergency Dentist, we provide periodontal therapy to remove bacteria through scaling and root planning (deep cleaning).

By brushing and flossing daily, you'll prevent most periodontal conditions. We recommend various treatment options depending on your conditions, limiting surgery unless absolutely necessary. We find that in most cases, the early stages of periodontal disease are best treated with non-surgical therapy.

Treatments include grafting, gingivectomy, frenectomy, crown lengthening, pocket reduction, and socket preservation. Even in severe cases, non-surgical periodontal therapy is preferred over surgical therapy. Our therapy will improve the overall tissue quality, helping to limit the areas requiring surgery.

If you have a periodontal emergency, or require treatment for swollen gums, make an appointment with our Periodontists at CCED. Let us help you keep your teeth for a lifetime.