Periodontitis
This is considered the second stage of periodontal disease. In this stage, plaque and tartar forms under the gums which can not be removed with simple brushing. Plaque and tartar causes infection which may damage the bone and the attachment of the gums to the teeth, and your gums start to pull away from the teeth. Dental care may include gum and root therapy or deep cleanings to remove the plaque and tartar depending on the involvement of the disease.
The first step of treatment involves a special deep cleaning of tissue and roots (“Scaling and Root Planing”). This procedure helps gum tissue heal and periodontal pockets to shrink. A local anesthetic is often used to make you more comfortable and is usually completed in one or two appointments. Sometimes antibiotics may be used to aid in healing of the gum tissue. After a month, a follow up evaluation will determine if further treatment is needed.
Advanced Periodontitis
This is the third stage of gum disease when the bone and the attachment of the gums to the teeth have been destroyed. This may cause your teeth to shift or loosen and can affect how your teeth come together. You may notice a bad taste or smell in your mouth. Proper dental care must be initiated to save the teeth or they may need to be removed. Professional intervention may include various forms of treatment if the gingival tissues have not healed after initial deep cleanings or tissue and root therapy. This is usually necessary when gingival tissues have not healed sufficiently or when the supporting bone around the teeth has been lost. Since the tissue has not properly attached, they provide a greater place for bacteria to live and attack the bone and tissue, causing further damage to occur.
