Did you know that the most common cause of tooth loss in adults is gum disease? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one out of every two adults over 30 in the United States has periodontal disease. However, the good news is that periodontal disease is almost entirely preventable. At Dental Associates of North Smithfield, we offer a comprehensive range of services to help patients maintain optimal periodontal health and enjoy the benefits of a smile that looks, feels, and functions at its best.

What is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease, more commonly known as gum disease, is a set of inflammatory diseases affecting the periodontium—the hard and soft tissues surrounding and supporting your teeth. Like tooth decay, gum disease is caused by harmful bacteria in dental plaque and tartar that accumulate around the teeth and under the gums.

Since periodontal disease often progresses painlessly, you may not be aware of the ongoing disease process. It’s essential to practice good oral hygiene and schedule regular checkups, professional cleanings, and routine care.

Signs of Periodontal Disease:

• Inflamed and red gums

• Bleeding when brushing or flossing

• Receding gums and exposed tooth root surfaces

• Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures

• Bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth

• Teeth that feel loose

• New spaces developing between the teeth or a change in the bite

• Change in the fit of existing partial dentures

• Discharge around the teeth and gums

• Sharp or dull pain when biting down or chewing food

The Importance of Good Oral Health

Good oral health supports systemic health. In addition to being the leading cause of tooth loss in adults, researchers are finding more links between periodontal disease and medical problems such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and respiratory issues.

At Dental Associates of North Smithfield, we emphasize the importance of prevention, early detection, and timely treatment of periodontal disease. We provide patients with the guidance, support, and care needed to maintain optimal periodontal health.

What is Gingivitis?

Gingivitis is the initial stage of gum disease. Although it often goes unnoticed, specific signs indicate the start of a problem. If your gums bleed when you brush, look red and inflamed, or feel tender, you likely have gingivitis.

The good news is that by treating gingivitis early, you can avoid the tissue damage associated with more advanced stages of gum disease. Despite the inflammation, the overall integrity of the periodontal tissues remains intact.

What is Periodontitis?

When left untreated, gingivitis can develop into periodontitis, a more advanced and damaging stage of gum disease. At this point, the connective tissue and bone holding the teeth in place begin to break down. Damage includes increased pocketing between the teeth and bone, gum recession, and bone loss. As periodontitis progresses, it increasingly compromises the supporting tissues of the teeth.

Let Us Help You Maintain Optimal Periodontal Health

At Dental Associates of North Smithfield, we offer personalized, state-of-the-art solutions to help you maintain healthy gums and a well-functioning smile. We utilize leading-edge technology and treatment methods to address a broad range of periodontal conditions and needs.

How is Gum Disease Treated?

The type of periodontal treatment you receive depends on several factors, including the stage of the disease, the extent of tissue damage, your overall oral health, and existing medical conditions. After a thorough assessment, we’ll discuss your options to reestablish and maintain optimal periodontal health.

Periodontal Treatment

Non-Surgical Periodontal Treatment: When periodontal disease is detected early, conservative or non-surgical methods combined with improved hygiene routines can restore periodontal health. Professional cleanings are sufficient to maintain health in patients without gum disease, but deeper cleanings are necessary once gingivitis is present.

Scaling and root planing are non-surgical procedures that remove plaque and tartar below the gum line and smooth the root surfaces. This halts the progression of gum disease. Antimicrobial medication or systemic medications can be used as adjuncts to care.

Periodontal Surgery: When gum disease has advanced, periodontal surgery is recommended to remove bacteria and tartar, reduce pocket depth, restore lost tissue, and halt disease progression. If untreated, gum disease continues to compromise tooth support and overall health.

Flap surgery is often recommended, where gums are reflected away from teeth and bone to clean pockets and recontour tissues. The tissue is then sutured back in place. Dental lasers are also used for select procedures, including treating periodontitis, reducing pocket depth, and addressing cosmetic concerns.

For more information on our services and how we can help you maintain optimal periodontal health, contact Dental Associates of North Smithfield today. We’re here to ensure your smile looks, feels, and functions at its best.