Periodontal Disease in Los Angeles, CA
Healthy teeth begin with healthy gums. A healthy smile is aesthetically pleasing and vital to overall well-being. If your gums have become red and swollen, you may have developed periodontal disease, which can eventually lead to tooth loss. Proper oral hygiene and periodontal care are recommended for aiding in the prevention of gum disease and complete care of your mouth.
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal (gum) disease results when bacterial infections form in the gums and tooth-supporting bones. The bacteria from plaque causes the gums to inflame and bleed. If left untreated, gums can separate from the teeth to form infected pockets that collect bacteria and continue to destroy gum tissue and bone. This eventually leads to tooth loss. Periodontal disease can be limited to one tooth or can affect your entire mouth. Dr. Salamati offers surgical treatment options for those with more advanced cases of gum disease or to correct gum issues that often lead to periodontal disease.
Periodontal Disease Can Be Caused by…
- Bacterial plaque
- Smoking/tobacco use
- Diabetes
- Genetics
- Pregnancy and hormonal changes
- Stress
- Medications
- Grinding your teeth
- Poor nutrition
Types of Periodontal Disease
Gingivitis Periodontal Disease
Gingivitis is the mildest form of periodontal disease and can be reversed through professional treatment and proper oral maintenance. It can cause the gums to turn red, swollen, and bleed easily. Patients who struggle with gingivitis can experience little or no discomfort.
Aggressive Periodontitis
Aggressive periodontitis is characterized by rapid attachment loss and bone destruction that can even occur in patients who are otherwise clinically healthy. This form of periodontitis is more common in patients with a family history of the condition.
Chronic Periodontitis
Chronic periodontitis results in inflammation between the supporting tissues and the teeth and is characterized by pocket formation. It is the most frequently occurring type of periodontitis. While this disease is most common in adults, it can develop at any age. Progression of attachment loss usually happens slowly over time, and then rapid progression begins to occur.
Periodontitis as a Manifestation of Systemic Diseases
Periodontitis, which begins to develop at a young age, is associated with many systemic diseases, such as diabetes.
Necrotizing Periodontal Diseases
Necrotizing periodontal disease is an infection related to necrosis of gingival tissues, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone. These lesions are usually common in individuals who struggle with systemic conditions such as HIV infection, malnutrition, and immunosuppression.
Prevention of Periodontal Disease
Good oral hygiene is the best way to prevent gum disease. This includes consistent brushing and flossing, as well as regular dental visits and cleanings. Other ways to prevent periodontal disease include cutting down on smoking (and other tobacco use) and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Maintaining a balanced diet and a good immune system can also prevent you from developing periodontal and other systemic diseases linked to the condition, such as diabetes. Make sure to also avoid clenching or grinding your teeth. Dr. Salamati can discuss this in more detail during your consultation.
Benefits of Periodontal Treatment
Periodontal treatment offers a wide range of benefits, from aesthetic to functional, for keeping your gums and teeth healthy. Some benefits of periodontal therapy include:
Improved Oral Health
Regular visits to your dentist for a checkup and deep cleaning can help keep periodontitis at bay. Coupled with proper dental hygiene at home, you can keep your teeth gleaming and your mouth healthy.
Whiter Teeth and Fresher Breath
Plaque and tartar buildup can cause your teeth to look yellow, making you self-conscious about your smile. The bacteria and food particles that contribute to plaque and tartar can also give you chronic bad breath, so regular periodontal treatments benefit you and the people you interact with.
Pain Relief
Gum disease is characterized by swelling, bleeding, and inflammation, so you may experience pain along with those symptoms. As gum disease advances, pain may increase due to infection, abscesses, or root sensitivity.
Prevention of Tooth and Bone Loss
Depending on the severity of your gum disease, tooth loss is a very real possibility. Left untreated, gum disease can eventually break down the tissue and bone that secure your teeth in your mouth. In extreme cases, you may experience bone loss in your jaw as the bacteria that causes gum disease erode your jawbone.
Reduced Risk of Serious Health Conditions
Researchers have found that people with gum disease tend to have higher incidences of cardiovascular problems, including heart attack and stroke. One cause may be the bacteria that infects your gums and enters into the bloodstream, causing blood clots and damage to vessels. It may also simply be that the inflammation caused by gum infection can also cause inflammation in other areas of your body. While more research must be done, it’s worth taking good care of your gums if it means better overall health.
Periodontal Treatment Options in Los Angeles, CA
Dr. Salamati offers both surgical and non-surgical options for treating gum disease. Which treatment will offer the best results depends on several factors, such as:
- What stage or type of gum disease you have
- The state of your oral health
- Your overall health
- Your ability to follow through with treatment and care for your gums at home
No matter what stage of gum disease you’re in, it is essential that you undergo periodontal treatment as soon as possible to prevent your condition from worsening.
Pocket Reduction
(Osseous Surgery)
Pocket reduction surgery removes tartar and disease-causing bacteria from the tooth roots while reducing the pockets that cause periodontal disease. During this procedure, the roots are cleaned, and the bone around the tooth is reshaped. This technique is often the treatment of choice for more advanced periodontal diseases.
Regenerative
Procedures
Guided bone regeneration (also known as guided tissue regeneration) can now be used to treat gum disease. During this procedure, the pockets of degenerated bone are cleaned, a bone graft is placed, and a membrane is inserted to separate the soft tissue and the pocket. This allows the bone to “regenerate” and grow, and stabilizes the teeth, or in cases of tooth loss prepares the jaw for implants.
Crown
Lengthening
Aesthetic:
In cases where there is an excessive amount of gum, the extra tissue not only results in an undesirable “gummy smile” but can also diminish the patient’s ability to brush and floss properly. This can lead to gum disease. For this procedure, small incisions are made around the gum tissue to reshape the tissue and bone. This will result in a more aesthetically pleasing smile.
Functional:
Crown lengthening can help save teeth that are decayed, broken, or below the gumline or have insufficient tooth structure for a crown. This procedure adjusts the gum and bone level to expose more of the tooth so it can be restored. Many teeth can be saved by this procedure and an implant can be avoided.
Soft Tissue
Grafts
Receding gums is one of the symptoms of periodontal disease. Your gums are the first defense against bacteria, and when they recede, you lose that protection. Also, gum recession can be unsightly and lead to root sensitivity. Tissue grafting is used to reconstruct receding gums. A thin piece of tissue is removed from the roof of the mouth and positioned around the tooth.
Non- surgical
Options
Surgical treatments are reserved for cases in which non-surgical services are no longer viable. Non-surgical therapy may be recommended if your gum disease is limited to gingivitis and mild to moderate forms of periodontitis. Typically, treatment will begin with a thorough cleaning that includes scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) to remove plaque and tartar beneath the gum line. Tooth roots can then be smoothed to allow the gum tissue to heal and reattach to the tooth. During this time, antibiotics may be prescribed to aid in the healing process. Dr. Salamati offers the following non-surgical treatments:
Why Choose
Dr. Salamati for
Gum Disease Treatment?
After receiving his dental degree, Dr. Afshin Salamati continued his education, specializing in periodontics and dental implant surgery. He stays on the cutting edge of dental technology, keeping abreast of innovations and techniques in periodontology to ensure that he offers his patients the highest level of care. Dr. Salamati is also a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology, which means he has undergone rigorous education, training, and testing and must recertify every six years to maintain his status. As a periodontist practicing in Beverly Hills for over 25 years, you can be sure you’re in skilled, caring hands with Dr. Salamati.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I prevent gum disease?
Patients can reduce their chances of developing gum disease by staying prepared and using preventative measures. Patients should form healthy habits, such as brushing and flossing, at least twice a day. Patients can also use mouthwash and toothpaste specially formulated to fight plaque.
Is gum disease linked to serious health conditions?
Recent scientific studies show that there is a connection between oral and cardiovascular health. When gum bacteria enter the bloodstream through small abrasions or sores in the mouth, it can go anywhere within the body, including the heart. Poor oral health may not directly cause health issues, but it can increase your vulnerability.
How often should I see my dentist for periodontal disease?
Patients should see a dentist bi-annually to monitor and maintain their oral health. Dental appointments will include a general exam and deep cleaning that will eliminate bacteria and plaque missed during regular brushing and flossing.
What is gum recession, and can I treat it?
Gum recession occurs when the roots of your teeth become exposed as the gums recede or pull away from the teeth. If this occurs, your gums can be treated with a gum graft.
What are the symptoms of periodontal disease?
Common symptoms include bleeding gums during brushing or flossing, red, swollen, or tender gums, receding gum lines, persistent bad breath, and loose or separating teeth. If you notice any of these symptoms, see a dental professional right away.
Why is it so important to treat periodontal disease?
If untreated, bacteria and the resulting inflammation from the mouth can spread through the body and lead to serious conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory disease.
How does gum disease affect my teeth?
Periodontal bacteria can lead to bone loss in the jaw. Since this bone is what keeps your teeth in place, bone loss can lead to tooth loss.
Healthy gums are the foundation of a beautiful smile and maintaining your overall health. If you have questions or concerns about gum disease and your treatment options, contact us today to schedule a consultation.