Periodontal Disease at Boulder Canyon Dental
Hi, I'm Dr. Amy here at Boulder Canyon Dental]. Here we get a lot of questions about periodontal disease. I wanted to take some time today to go over most of those common questions to give you a better understanding of what periodontal disease really is.
What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is a really aggressive bacterial infection that's caused too much inflammation of the gums for too long and has resulted in bone loss.
What causes periodontal disease?
The cause of periodontal disease most commonly is bacteria that's left on the gums too long, say from not flossing or brushing all the way to the gum line. There are some genetic components based on what specific bacteria are in your mouth that can cause this disease, but most commonly it's just not removing that plaque fast enough.
What are the symptoms of periodontal disease?
The symptoms of periodontal disease include recession, bleeding gums, sensitivity, loose teeth, and bad breath. There are many others, but essentially a feeling that your teeth are not as clean as they should be.
Is periodontal disease linked to other conditions?
Periodontal disease has been linked to many other systemic conditions, including Alzheimer's, osteoporosis, and many types of heart disease.
Can periodontal disease be cured?
Periodontal disease can never truly be cured, but it can be stabilized. If you're told that you have periodontal disease, that doesn't mean you're going to lose all of your teeth. It just means that you have to visit your dentist and get hygiene therapy more frequently. That way, you can stave off that bacteria and keep everything really healthy.
What are the treatment options for periodontal disease?
When you're diagnosed with periodontal disease, the first treatment option is always going to be a deeper cleaning where you are completely numb. The hygienist can access all areas of the tooth to truly clean it. You would then be followed up with to see if there are any more aggressive sites which would require periodontal surgery where we remove the gums out of the way to fully access the tooth. We also have laser therapies to go down, disinfect, and kill off that bacteria. There are many options to protect your teeth and prevent the spread of periodontal disease.
Are teeth cleanings and periodontal treatments painful?
Teeth cleanings and periodontal treatments are not supposed to be painful. A healthy mouth makes it very easy to sit through a cleaning. Some patients have more discomfort if the gums are more inflamed or if they have just generally more sensitivity in their teeth. We have many options for making that more comfortable, including different numbing agents to get you through that appointment so you're comfortable the whole time and you leave with a really healthy mouth.
How can I schedule a dental appointment?
You’re never alone in caring for your dental health. At Boulder Canyon Dental, our team is here to support and meet you where you are in your dental journey. Call (970) 514-0662 or email [email protected] to connect with us today.