Periodontal Disease Near You
Periodontal disease, also referred to as periodontitis and gum disease is an infection of the tissue surrounding the teeth. This includes the gums, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone.
Gingivitis is a bacterial infection of the gum tissue. If caught early on, this can be reversed with professional treatment and proper oral hygiene practices. However, without prompt oral care, gingivitis will usually advance into periodontal disease. A bacterial infection of the gums causes the tissues to become irritated and inflamed. When this occurs, the bacterial infection colonizes in the gum pockets (spaces between the teeth). As the disease progresses, the pockets deepen and can destroy the gum tissue and bone over time. Without periodontal treatment in Edina, MN 55424 it can lead to serious outcomes such as shifting teeth, loose teeth, and tooth loss. In fact, the most common cause of tooth loss worldwide is periodontal disease, hence why prompt treatment is critical.
Types of Periodontal Disease
The most common types of periodontal disease are as follows:
- Chronic periodontitis: This results in inflammation within the supporting tissues of the teeth, progressive loss of attachment, and bone loss. This is the most frequently occurring type of periodontitis.
- Aggressive periodontitis: This occurs in patients who are otherwise clinically healthy. It is characterized by rapid attachment loss, bone destruction, and familial aggregation.
- Necrotizing periodontitis: This is most commonly observed in patients with systemic conditions including HIV, immunosuppression, and malnutrition. This results in necrosis in the gingival tissues, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone.
- Periodontal disease caused by systemic diseases: This generally begins early on at a young age. Systemic conditions including heart disease, respiratory disease, and diabetes are contributors.
Periodontal Treatment Near You
There are several surgical and nonsurgical options for periodontal treatment in Edina, MN 55424. The chosen treatment will depend on the condition of the teeth, gums, and jawbone. A comprehensive examination of the mouth will be completed to determine treatment.
The most common options for periodontal treatment near you are as follows:
- Scaling and root planning: This is a nonsurgical procedure done to remove plaque and tartar above and below the gum line.
- Tissue regeneration: This procedure is performed when the bone supporting the teeth has been destroyed. The purpose of this procedure is to stimulate bone and gum tissue growth.
- Pocket elimination surgery: This is also referred to as flap surgery. During this surgical procedure, the gums are lifted back and tartar is removed.
- Dental implants: If one or multiple teeth have been lost due to periodontal disease, dental implants can restore their functionality. Dental implants are artificial tooth roots. They are surgically placed in the jawbone to hold a replacement tooth or bridge.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding periodontal treatment in Edina, MN 55424, please contact our dental office in Edina today.