Periodontal (gum) Diseases are infections of the gums, which progressively destroy the supporting structures of your natural teeth (the jawbone and gums). There are several different types of Periodontal Disease with each requiring a different treatment approach. Most forms of Periodontal Disease are painless. Bacterial Plaque is the primary cause of gum disease in genetically susceptible individuals.
Periodontal Disease is a chronic disease much like diabetes or asthma. It cannot be cured. As with all chronic diseases the goal is control.
Approximately 75% of adults are affected at some time in their life.
Often, there are no outward signs of the destruction which occurs beneath the gum line, especially in long standing disease and smokers. In this instance, the gum tissue may appear normal. Together with the lack of pain, this explains why many people discover too late that they have the disease. Only a thorough periodontal examination can reveal if hidden disease is present.
Periodontal Disease is an ongoing bacterial infection in the gums and bone around your teeth. This infection grows in “bursts” of activity. The bacteria are a component of Bacterial (Dental) Plaque. Plaque is a sticky colorless film, composed primarily of various types of bacteria, which adhere to your teeth at and below the gumline. Plaque constantly forms on your teeth. It begins to form within minutes after cleaning. If not carefully removed by daily brushing and flossing, plaque hardens into a rough, porous substance known as calculus (or tartar). This cannot be removed without professional cleaning.
The Bacterial plaque produces toxins or poisons that irritate the gums, which may (but not always) cause them to turn red, swell and bleed easily. If this irritation is prolonged, the gums separate from the teeth, causing Periodontal Pockets (spaces) to form along the tooth. As the disease progresses, the pockets get deeper and the supporting bone that holds teeth in place deteriorates. If left untreated, this leads to tooth loss.
In the last ten years extensive research has demonstrated that Periodontal Disease involves a complex interaction between Bacterial Plaque and the patient’s immune system. This determines the severity and rate of progression of periodontal disease. Some people are fortunate and have a high “resistance” to Bacterial Plaque and demonstrate little or no periodontal disease even with large amounts of plaque. Less fortunate individuals can demonstrate severe periodontal disease at an early age with minimal plaque.
Periodontal Diseases can be accelerated by a number of different risk factors. The most common are:
Additional information on these topics can be found at the American Academy of Periodontology web site.
As mentioned, periodontal disease is a non-painful, progressive infection which leads to unnecessary tooth loss.
We mistakenly think that tooth loss is an inevitable part of the ageing process. Furthermore, most of us think that all dental problems should cause pain and the lack of pain indicates that we are healthy. In fact, we lose our teeth primarily due to neglect and inadequate preventive care. Additionally, pain from periodontal disease only occurs in the most advanced or abscessed cases if at all.
Research has clearly demonstrated that like any other disease, the earlier it is diagnosed and treated, the better and longer lasting the results.
We now know that untreated periodontal disease can have a significant negative effect on other body systems.
Every week, more studies are being published that show a connection between untreated periodontal disease and general health. Over the next several years, it is likely that periodontal disease will become a risk factor for many diseases much like smoking is now.
When periodontal treatment is recommended, it is important to get started right away. Without treatment the infection will continue to eat away at the gums and bone which anchor your teeth.
Delaying treatment, even for 2-3 months can result in unnecessary loss of teeth and/or additional treatment with increased expense. By keeping your teeth, your ability to taste and enjoy a wide variety of foods properly will be protected.
Prompt treatment can help prevent painful periodontal abscesses.
Periodontal treatment can eliminate or reduce the unpleasant taste often associated with the disease as well as the embarrassment of “bad breath”. Your appearance will be protected through early treatment as successive loss of teeth often encourages lines, wrinkles and a "sunken" look due to the loss of tone in the facial muscles. Have you ever seen anyone with their full dentures out?
A patient's self-confidence and self-image is often renewed through an improved appearance.
Early treatment is less expensive.
Together with your family dentist you can be restored to oral health, and your periodontal disease controlled.
The old concept that my mouth is healthy if I do not have pain or notice a “problem” is totally inaccurate. Unfortunately, similar to other chronic or long term diseases like high blood pressure or diabetes, there is very little pain or symptoms until the advanced stages.
Without adequate treatment, your infection and destruction will continue. You will start to loose your teeth one at a time. If they are back teeth, you may feel as if you can “get by” since your smile is often not affected. However, as you loose back teeth, more pressure and stress are placed on your front teeth. Over time, the front teeth may begin to shift and move outward or start to loosen. At that time, some or all of your teeth will need to be replaced with dental work, such as:
If treatment is possible in advanced cases, it will be more extensive and expensive with lower predictability. Dr. Terry always prefers to see and treat his patients as early in the disease process as possible.
Tooth loss leads to dentures. Most people don’t understand what it means to wear full dentures all of the time.
Dr. Terry’s believes in conservative periodontal therapy with the least treatment possible to control your disease. As mentioned previously (need to set hyperlink to section on costs in the early part of site), the earlier your disease, the less treatment necessary with the least cost.
Non-surgical treatment is possible in the earlier stages while more advanced cases require surgical care to treat your infection and rebuild lost tissue and bone.
Using the wrong type of therapy to treat your disease will not get it under control and can result in unnecessary tooth loss.
Dr. Terry will recommend the form of treatment, which will provide the best long-term result with the least cost. If reasonable options to your treatment exist, he will discuss this with you so you can make the best decision on your care.
Dentistry has come a long way since the “old days” where treatment was done with minimal or no anesthetic. Many patients who received care during that time never returned for many years which only worsened their disease.
Dr. Terry and his staff understand the fears many patients have with dental care.
Our goal is to make even the most apprehensive patients confident that all care at our office will be done in a comfortable, relaxed environment.
If we anticipate that there may be some discomfort after a procedure, we will prescribe appropriate and effective medications.
Detailed post-treatment written instructions are given and available on this website.
Dr. Terry finds that those patients who follow all directions have minimal post-treatment difficulty. Even for the most complex procedures, patients usually return to normal function the next day although this obviously can vary from patient to patient.
Non-surgical patients often have treatment and immediately return to work.
The best way to prevent gum disease is effective daily brushing and flossing as well as regular professional examination and cleanings. Unfortunately, even with the most diligent home dental care, people still can develop some form of periodontal disease. Modification of risk factors (such as smoking) can be helpful. Once this disease starts, professional intervention is necessary to prevent its progress.
1501 Hamburg Turnpike, Suite 304, Wayne, NJ 07470
TEL: 973-694-2000 Fax: 973-694-4860 www.drmterry.com
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Periodontist Dr. Mark Terry treats Gum Disease & provides Implants at North Jersey Periodontics and Denal Implants in Wayne NJ.
Serving patients in Passaic, Morris, Bergen, Essex County, Sussex County & all of North Jersey.