Periodontitis

When left untreated, a case of gingivitis develops into a more advanced and damaging stage of gum disease, known as periodontitis. At this point, the connective tissue and bone that hold the teeth in place begin to break down. With the progression of periodontal disease and periodontitis, more and more tissue loss ensues. Damage often includes an increase in pocketing between the teeth and bone, gum recession, and bone loss. As unresolved periodontitis goes from mild to moderate to severe, it increasingly compromises the soft and hard tissue support for the teeth.  

While gum disease is almost entirely preventable, the numbers regarding its incidence are alarmingly high. Periodontal disease remains the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one out of every two adults over the age of 30 in the United States has periodontitis, an advanced form of periodontal disease. 

It's essential to be aware of the signs and symptoms of gum disease: 

• Inflamed and red gums

• Bleeding when brushing or flossing

• Receding gums and exposed tooth root surfaces 

• Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures

• Bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth

• Teeth that feel loose

• Dental drifting and developing spaces between the teeth

• A change in the fit of existing partial dentures

• Discharge around the teeth and gums

• Sharp or dull pain when biting down or chewing food

While physicians and dentists in the past considered medical conditions and gum disease as separate and unrelated, increasing associations between poor periodontal health and systemic problems continue to emerge. Links between conditions such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, adverse pregnancy outcomes, stroke, diabetes, Alzheimer's, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoporosis, as well as a host of other diseases and disorders, are becoming more apparent. 

The importance of timely care

Taking care of your smile does more than keep your teeth and gums in optimal condition; good oral health also supports systemic health. With all of today's advances in care, treatment for periodontitis not only helps to halt the progression of gum disease but also offers effective solutions to repair some of the tissue damage it has caused. 

At the office of Joanna Tricorache, DDS, we provide personalized, state-of-the-art periodontal treatment to help you maintain healthy gums and a beautiful smile throughout your life. We specialize in preventing the onset and progress of gum disease, treating more advanced stages of gum disease as well as perform periodontal procedures to support the successful placement of dental implants. As skilled providers of care, we utilize leading-edge technology and treatment methods to provide precise and effective solutions to address a wide range of periodontal conditions and needs.