Periodontal (Gum) Disease FAQs
Your dentist will thoroughly examine your oral health. The comprehensive evaluation includes measuring pocket depths, assessing gum inflammation, examining tooth mobility, and analyzing dental X-rays to determine the disease’s extent and severity.
Periodontitis affects your gums, bone and teeth in a manner that cannot be reversed. To prevent tooth loss, you may require more extensive, specialized treatment from Dr. Wohlers or even from a periodontist. If left untreated, periodontitis results in tooth loss – teeth either fall out on their own or must be extracted. If you don’t diagnose and treat periodontitis in its early stages, you may require extensive surgery to save your teeth putting yourself at risk for other serious health problems.
A. It is certainly not desirable to have bleeding gums following brushing, however, the condition may or may not require attention, depending on the source of the problem. Bleeding gums can be caused by any of the following: improper, rough “scrubbing” instead of gentle, circular brushing motions; using a hard-bristled tooth brush instead of a soft one; plaque and/or tartar build-up below the gum line; or gum sensitivity due to gingivitis or periodontal disease. If this problem persists despite correct brushing and flossing methods or if it occurs every time you brush, contact our office to set up an evaluation appointment.
A: Gums affected by periodontal disease become red and inflamed, often times bleeding during brushing or flossing. If treated in a timely manner, these conditions can be reversed, preventing periodontal disease from developing. However, periodontitis is much more difficult to treat.
Periodontitis affects your gums, bone, and teeth in a manner that cannot be reversed. To prevent tooth loss, you may require more extensive, specialized treatment from Dr. Wohlers or even from a periodontist. If left untreated, periodontitis results in tooth loss – teeth either fall out on their own or must be extracted. If you don’t catch periodontitis in its early stages, you may require extensive surgery to save your teeth putting yourself at risk for other serious health problems.
According to Caesy Dental Education, “Ailments associated with periodontal disease include respiratory disease, pneumonia, strokes, ulcers, difficult-to-control diabetes, low birth weight babies, and infective endocarditis, a dangerous infection of the heart valves. Researchers recently discovered that this chronic infection in your mouth creates an open doorway for plaque bacteria to enter the blood stream. These bacteria (Streptococcus sangguis) may cause blood clots that can block your arteries and even trigger a heart attack.”
Accumulation of plaque is the common cause of periodontal disease. Plaque may harden into tartar if not removed through proper oral care, which harbors more bacteria and leads to inflammation and gum disease.
Yes, if it’s detected in its early stages, known as gingivitis. You will require regular dental care and improved oral hygiene. However, if it advances to periodontitis, the damage may be irreversible, but the disease can still be managed to prevent further damage.
No. Patients undergo local anaesthesia during the procedure to ensure a comfortable experience. There may be some minor discomfort, but it can be managed with over-the-counter medications.
It may require multiple appointments over several weeks or months to complete the procedure and achieve the best results. Its duration may vary depending on the patient’s severity of the disease.
