Periodontal Disease and Periodontitis FAQs

Periodontal Disease and Periodontitis FAQs

What Is Periodontal Disease (Gum Disease)?

Periodontal disease is the infection of the soft gum tissue that connects your teeth, roots, and bone in your mouth. The typical signs of periodontal disease are bleeding gums and heightened tooth sensitivity. If left untreated, severe gum disease, such as periodontitis, can lead to dental problems such as root infections and tooth loss.

What is periodontitis?

Periodontitis is an advanced form of gum disease. When plaque builds up around the gum line, it can lead to inflammation and infection. If gum disease is caught in the early stage, it can be completely reversed. However, when left untreated, it no longer becomes reversible and can eventually lead to bone and tooth loss.

What Causes Periodontal Disease?

When your teeth and gums are not adequately cleaned, plaque and tartar harden onto your teeth, causing bacterial infection in your gums, also known as periodontal disease or periodontitis (a severe form of gum disease). Periodontal disease is often a reflection of your overall health. You can prevent periodontal disease by brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing routinely, and booking regular dental check-ups.

What Are Some Other Causes of Gum Disease?

Brushing your teeth too hard or vigorously can harm your gums by causing gum recession. Some individuals have genetic conditions that cause their gums to recede more than usual, or they have gums that sit high on their teeth. Cosmetic periodontal procedures can remedy most visual gum problems. Other health factors can impact your gum tissue and overall oral health, such as smoking, diabetes, and certain medications.

What Is a Periodontist?

A periodontist is a dentist who is a gum specialist. In order to become qualified to practice periodontics, periodontists complete dental school plus an additional three years of specialized training and experience in gum disease and surgeries. Periodontists are also fully trained in administering anesthesia for periodontal surgeries.

What is gum grafting offered by a periodontist?

Gum grafting is performed to treat gum recession. When the gums have receded, and the roots begin to show, a thin piece of tissue from the roof of your mouth is gently placed to cover the exposed root.

What are the benefits of receiving dental implants?

There are various benefits to receiving implants, including:

• Improve your ability to eat and chew
• Improve your appearance
• Improve your confidence
• Improve your oral health

How is gum disease treated by a periodontist?

There are various types of treatment depending on the severity of your gum disease. Our periodontist in Kelowna can perform a deep cleaning and scaling to remove the plaque buildup. If the gum disease has progressed and is very severe, a tooth extraction may be required.

Who can receive sinus grafting?

Our periodontist in Kelowna provides sinus grafting to increase the bone in the upper jaw. Typically, patients can receive sinus grafting if:

• They are missing teeth
• They are missing a significant amount of bone
• They lack sufficient bone for an implant

What can I expect after receiving a tooth extraction from a periodontist?

Typically, patients will experience some discomfort and swelling after the procedure. It should disappear in a few days. We recommend using a cold or hot compress to minimize swelling and alleviate discomfort. We also recommend rinsing with salt water to keep the area clean. If you have any questions, please contact our periodontist in Kelowna for more information.