According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 50 percent of Americans over the age of 30 have periodontitis, a more advanced form of periodontal disease and don’t even know it. In its early stages, periodontal disease is called gingivitis, with symptoms that include swollen, inflamed gums that may bleed during tooth brushing. When allowed to progress, gingivitis can turn into periodontal disease, also known as periodontitis.
How Is Periodontitis Treated?
There are a range of options available for treating periodontitis depending on the severity of the disease. Initially, a deep cleaning may be recommended to remove the infection and allow your gums to heal. In some advanced stages, the instruments used to perform the deep cleaning may not be able to reach the actual bacteria that is leading to the problem. If the disease is more advanced, a regenerative periodontal therapy procedure may be the most effective treatment approach.
What is Regenerative Periodontal Therapy?
A regenerative periodontal therapy procedure is used to reverse the effects of advanced periodontal disease. When the infection has already begun to destroy the underlying bone that supports your teeth, this type of therapy is recommended to:
• Remove bacteria from beneath your gum line
• Regenerate lost bone and tissue
• Reshape the bones that support your teeth
• Prevent future gum damage
Who is a Good Candidate?
People with severe or advanced gum disease are usually good candidates for regenerative periodontal therapy. Common symptoms of advanced gum disease include:
• Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
• Deep pockets between your teeth and gums
• Damaged or loose teeth
• Loose gum tissue
• New tooth spacing or the appearance of “getting longer”
• Pain while eating and chewing
• Bad Breath
• Receding gums
What Should I Expect? Regenerative periodontal therapy can be done with local anesthesia or a comfortable sedation. During the procedure, the gum tissue is folded back to remove the disease-causing bacteria. Depending on the degree of damage, membranes, bone grafts, or tissue-stimulating proteins can also be used to stimulate your body’s natural ability to regenerate new bone and healthy gum tissue. Eliminating existing bacteria and regenerating bone and tissue helps to reduce the pockets between your teeth and gums and restore your mouth to optimal health.
Periodontal disease and the inflammation that it generates within your body are associated with a number of very serious health issues, including diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis, and even cancer. Because gum disease is progressive, early treatment is always best. If you have symptoms associated with periodontitis, you may be a candidate for regenerative periodontal therapy. Schedule a comprehensive periodontal screening right away. Gain peace of mind that you are not at risk. My friendly team is standing by to help answer all of your questions. A referral is not necessary. Call 301-638-4867 or visit us online at www.drkarlsmith.com.
