Periodontitis is a disease of the gum, bone, and other supporting structures of the tooth. This serious gum infection will damage the soft tissue and bone that support your teeth. This will eventually cause your teeth to loosen and even fall out. Knoxville, TN periodontist Dr. Robert Cain provides comprehensive and personalized treatment plans for patients suffering from periodontitis.
About Periodontitis
Periodontitis is a leading cause of tooth loss in adults but is easily preventable. Periodontitis is the next stage of gum disease after gingivitis. Gingivitis is an early stage of gum disease that is caused by poor oral health care and plaque buildup that will lead to gum inflammation. It is typically easy to treat and can be reversed easily by your dentist.
If left untreated, however, gingivitis will develop into periodontitis. Eventually, pockets will develop between your gums and your teeth from the gum inflammation. These pockets will fill up with plaque, tartar, and bacteria and will get deeper and deeper when left untreated.
This serious bacterial infection can cause many issues with your oral health and your overall health including tooth loss.
Common symptoms of Periodontitis include:
- Red, swollen or sore gums
- Bleeding gums
- Receding gums
- Loose teeth
- Mouth sores or pus between gums and teeth
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Changes in the fit of dentures
- Painful chewing
Periodontitis Treatment in Knoxville, TN
Every patient is treated as an individual at our Knoxville, TN periodontist office. Our dedicated and highly trained team will help you build a customized treatment plan to address your periodontitis. The sooner you seek treatment, the better the outcome.
If you let the disease progress, you may risk losing all your teeth, and replacing them will be extremely costly. Also, scientists have linked periodontitis to heart disease, cardiovascular disease, and even stroke.
Dr. Cain uses periodontal microsurgery for the treatment of periodontitis. Periodontal microsurgery is minimally invasive and causes less bleeding and swelling of the tissues than traditional methods.
With periodontal microsurgery, Dr. Cain is able to add or remove gum tissue, graft soft tissue, and do a ridge augmentation. He may also use tissue regeneration to help stimulate the natural regrowth of the bone.
With precise and careful movements, Dr. Cain is able to create smaller incisions with cleaner edges for reduced downtimes. Most patients are able to resume their daily routines shortly after their treatment.
How to Prevent Periodontitis
The best way to prevent periodontitis is with daily, consistent oral hygiene. This includes brushing your teeth after each meal, flossing at least once a day, and using mouthwash. If you neglect to see your dentist regularly, you could develop gingivitis which can go easily undetected. Then that can lead to periodontitis.
Regular professional dental cleanings can help keep your gums healthy and allow Dr. Cain to eradicate any signs of disease as soon as possible. It’s also important to know your risk factors. If you discover that you are at an increased risk of periodontitis, you should see your dentist as soon as possible.
There are many risk factors that can cause periodontitis including:
- Gingivitis
- Poor oral health habits
- Not visiting your dentist regularly
- Smoking
- Chewing Tobacco
- Drug addiction
- Poor overall health
- Certain medications
- Obesity
Periodontitis FAQs
What are the 4 stages of periodontal disease?
The four stages of periodontal disease are gingivitis, slight periodontal disease, moderate periodontal disease, and advanced periodontal disease. If caught early the first stage is reversible, but once it has progressed into further stages damage is permanent.
What does periodontal disease look like?
Periodontal disease typically appears as red swollen gum that is sensitive and bleeds easily. Many patients also struggle with bad breath. Plaque buildup is commonly associated with periodontal disease.
Can a salt water rinse help heal gum infection?
Saltwater rinse has been shown to help heal gum infection caused by gingivitis. Salt draws out infection and allows for gum irritation to be soothed. Salt also works as a disinfectant to help draw out infection.
Is periodontal treatment painful?
Periodontal treatment itself is too painful. Dentists use an anesthetic so that patients do not feel any pain during treatment. Patients may feel some discomfort after treatment once the anesthetic has worn off, but it is minimal.
Is periodontitis curable?
Periodontitis can be reversed in its earliest stage, gingivitis. Once this disease has reached its further stages it can not be cured, only treated.
How do you prevent periodontal disease from getting worse?
Patients can prevent periodontal disease from getting worse at home by improving their oral care routine. Brushing and flossing at least twice a day is a great way to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Patients can also do saltwater rinses to remove inflammation and bacteria from the gums.
