Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease starts with inflammation of the gums due to plaque and tartar accumulation. As the inflammation advances and turns the gums red, the condition becomes known as gingivitis. With proper intervention by a dental professional and a good home care regime, this condition can be reversed and health can be restored. If left unaddressed, the inflammation progresses, bacteria multiply and the body reacts by losing bone and support around the teeth.

Once there is bone loss, the condition is called periodontitis. Most cases progress in a very painless fashion, which is why periodontitis is the number one cause of tooth loss. Recent studies also show many links between periodontitis and systemic diseases such as atherosclerosis, heart disease, diabetes and low birth weight.

The most common symptoms of periodontitis are:

• Gums bleeding
• Red, puffy, or tender gums
• Constant bad breath or a generally bad taste in the mouth
• Receding gums or discomfort in gums
• Formation of deep pockets at the foot of teeth
• Loose teeth
• Changes in the way teeth fit together upon biting down, or in the fit of partial dentures.

There are different types of treatments for periodontitis with each one recommended based on a patient’s unique condition. There are surgical and non-surgical treatments based on the condition of the jawbone, teeth, and gums. For someone who would like to get treatment for periodontal disease in Solana Beach, we provide a thorough exam before recommending any given procedure.

Below are some of the treatment options we have for periodontal disease:

• Scaling and Root Planing – Also known as deep cleaning, it is a non-surgical procedure performed under local anesthesia. Used on moderate pocket depths, sometimes in conjunction with antibiotic therapy to arrest the infection. This is often used in conjunction with deep cleaning or surgical treatment to target and reduce harmful bacteria within periodontal pockets helping promote healing and improve overall gum health.
• Laser Bacterial Decontamination – This is often used in conjunction with deep cleaning or surgical treatment to target and reduce harmful bacteria within periodontal pockets helping promote healing and improve overall gum health.
• Pocket Elimination Surgery – This is also known as “flap surgery” and is performed to lessen the pocket size between teeth and gums and to reshape the supporting bone.