An unchecked periodontal disease can progress to periodontitis, a gum disease that affects almost half of American adults over 30 and can cause permanent tooth loss. Catch periodontal disease early with regular cleanings and examinations at Faircourt Dental Smile Studio in Grosse Pointe, Michigan.
To be evaluated for periodontal disease, schedule an appointment with Dr. Mary Sue Stonisch by calling her friendly team or using the online booking form.
Periodontics is the study and treatment of conditions that affect the gums, jawbone, and other structures that support the teeth. A periodontist is a dental professional who treats you when you have periodontal disease.
When you don’t regularly brush and floss away bacteria, it accumulates in the pockets between your gums and teeth and causes an infection known as periodontal disease. Untreated periodontal disease destroys the tissues and bone that support your teeth, causing permanent tooth loss. The two types of periodontal disease are gingivitis and periodontitis.
Gingivitis is the earliest stage of periodontal disease. When plaque, tartar, and bacteria build up around your teeth and in the gum pockets, your gums begin to swell and may bleed when you brush your teeth or floss. However, you may not notice any symptoms of gingivitis.
Proper daily cleaning in addition to regular professional dental cleanings can reverse gingivitis, allowing your gums to heal. If you don’t treat gingivitis, it can lead to the more serious periodontitis and eventual tooth loss. Dr. Stonisch checks for gingivitis during biannual exams and cleanings.
Untreated gingivitis often progresses to periodontitis, a more severe infection that destroys the periodontal ligaments, the cords that extend into the gums to hold your teeth in place. The infection in periodontitis deepens the gum pockets, leading to even more accumulations of bacteria.
Without treatment, periodontitis destroys your gum tissue, periodontal ligaments, and bone. These tissues and bone can’t grow back. Without the support of ligaments and bone, your teeth loosen and fall out.
Dr. Stonisch arrests periodontitis with a deep cleaning and scaling procedure. She uses a specialized tool to scrape away plaque from underneath the gum line, all the way to the bottom of the gum pockets. Another tool reshapes your tooth roots, making it easier for your gums to re-adhere to your teeth.
If your gum pockets persist, Dr. Stonisch may need to reshape your gums to prevent the destruction of bone and the periodontal ligaments.
Keep your teeth, bones, and ligaments healthy with regular cleanings and exams at Faircourt Dental Smile Studio. Call for an appointment, or book one online today.
