Periodontal Care

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease in its early stage is known as gingivitis. Symptoms of gingivitis include inflammation and redness of the gums (gingiva), bleeding, and tenderness while brushing or flossing. In its advanced form, called periodontitis, the gums can pull away from the tooth, possibly resulting in bone and tooth loss. Periodontal disease is caused by the long-term effects of plaque on your teeth. When plaque is not properly removed, it turns into the hard calcified deposit known as tartar (calculus) which becomes trapped at the base of the tooth and leads to decay. The bacteria in plaque and tartar irritates the gums leading to infection. Consuming a healthy, balanced diet and a good oral hygiene routine including regular brushing and flossing are the best ways to prevent periodontal disease. However, once plaque has turned into tartar it must be removed by a dental professional, who will provide you with a deep cleaning with an instrument known as a scaler. We tailor individual treatment recommendations based on patient’s unique needs. Not everyone needs to have treatment every 6 months, some require more and some less.

Periodontal surgery

Periodontal surgery may be necessary in severe cases of periodontitis (gum disease) where tissue cannot be repaired with non-surgical methods. Surgery can be useful in removing plaque and tartar build up below the gum line. The purpose of periodontal surgery is to regenerate and reconstruct periodontal tissues and to preserve the tooth. If Dr. Book and Dr. Davidson advise that you will need periodontal surgery, they will speak to you about the procedure options and pre/post-operative care.