An initial oral assessment will indicate if you need gum treatment beyond a basic cleaning. Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss today, but often goes unnoticed until the condition becomes serious. Our dentist can detect and treat gum disease in Culver City, California, which will promote your overall health.
Gum Disease, or Periodontitis, is an infectious and transmissible disease that affects the Gums, or Gingiva, and its supporting structures. The bacteria that grow in the dental plaque produce acids and toxins that irritate and attack the gums, causing inflammation.
There are different levels of gum disease:
- Gingivitis: This is the initial stage. The superficial gum tissue becomes inflamed and may bleed upon contact. At this stage there is no deepening of the space between the tooth and the gums. This condition is reversible with professional care and improvement in oral hygiene. You may have noticed that sometimes when you brush and floss your gums bleed, which is a sign of gingivitis.
- Moderate Periodontitis: If the plaque is not removed and stays in contact with the gum tissue, over time, it starts to break down the attachment of the Gum to the tooth and underlying bone structures. The bacteria start to penetrate deeper and deeper, causing the bone and gums to detach. In this case, it is recommended to have a deep cleaning and possible gum surgery.
- Advanced Periodontitis: At this stage, the gums are deeply inflamed and swollen, the pockets are deeper, and some areas may show suppuration. The plaque and tartar build along the root of the teeth forming a barrier to the connection of tooth and gums. Some teeth may show mobility because of the lost bone support. Eventually the teeth must be extracted, or they may fall out.
Periodontitis is preventable! It is easy to treat and control gum disease in the initial stages. Treating it becomes more challenging as the condition deteriorates. Regular brushing and flossing can remove dental plaque. If we detect periodontitis, we can create a treatment regimen to stop the progression of this disease. If you haven’t had your teeth and gums checked lately, don’t wait! The sooner we treat the problem, the better outcome of your treatment.
Call us at 310-417-8177 for a complimentary evaluation with Dr. Sandro Tomita at Corporate Pointe Dental.
