PERIODONTAL DISEASE tREATMENT
Serving Maple Ridge and Surrounding Areas
Restore Your Oral Health Today - Periodontal Disease Treatment at Westgate Dental Centre
Periodontal disease, commonly called gum disease, is a prevalent dental issue affecting a large portion of the Canadian population. It typically starts with inflammation of the gums, caused by plaque buildup and bacteria on the teeth.
At Westgate Dental Centre, we understand the importance of maintaining good oral health and offer comprehensive periodontal disease treatment options to help our patients achieve healthy gums and teeth. Our experienced team of dental professionals is committed to providing personalized care to ensure our patients receive the most effective treatment for their needs.
We offer a range of treatment options for periodontal disease, including deep cleaning, antibiotics, and surgical procedures. Our team will work with you to determine the best course of action to stop the progression of the disease and prevent further damage to your teeth and gums.
Periodontal Disease and Its Bodily Effects
When periodontal disease is left untreated, gum disease can progress from the early stage, called gingivitis, to the more severe form, periodontitis. In periodontitis, the gums pull away from the teeth, forming infected and inflamed pockets. The body’s immune response to the bacteria causes inflammation, which affects the bloodstream and damages the blood vessels in the heart and the brain. This inflammation and damage can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other systemic health problems.
Moreover, gum disease affects oral health and has been linked to several other complications, such as diabetes, arthritis, and dementia. People with diabetes are more prone to gum disease, making it harder to control blood sugar levels. Recent research also suggests that the bacteria that cause gum disease may contribute to the development of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
One of the challenges with gum disease is that its early stages are often painless. According to studies, four out of five adolescents and adults have gum disease and are unaware of it. That’s why regular dental checkups and cleanings are crucial to detect and prevent gum disease. Dentists can identify early signs of gum disease, provide guidance on proper oral hygiene, and recommend treatment options to prevent further disease progression.
The Risks of Having Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease can cause permanent loss of teeth and worse. Here’s what happens when you don’t treat this condition on time.
- The Possibility of a Heart Attack
People with this disease are twice as likely to suffer from heart attacks as those who don’t. This is because oral bacteria affect the heart when they enter the bloodstream. - High Risk of Dementia
Older adults with gum disease have a much higher risk of dementia. This may be due partly to the inflammatory response that occurs due to gum disease, which can affect the brain and contribute to cognitive decline. - High Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
Researchers have discovered a relationship between gum disease and type 2 diabetes. When you have this gum disease, your blood sugar levels are frequently out of control, putting you at risk for type 2 diabetes. - Dangerous for Pregnant Women
Studies have found that pregnant women with the periodontal disease lead to poorer health outcomes for the mother and baby than those without the disease. Also, according to researchers from Australia, women with gum disease take two months more to conceive than those who don’t have it. - May Develop into Stroke or Rheumatoid Arthritis
A research paper found that “this gum disease is a major risk factor for Ischemic Stroke.” In addition, a recent study found a strong connection between gum disease and rheumatoid arthritis.
Periodontal Disease Treatment
Our dentist starts with the diagnosis. We first review your medical history and examine your mouth closely for signs of plaque buildup. Then we use a dental probe to measure the pocket depth of the groove between the teeth and the gums and take dental X-rays to be sure.
Westgate Dental Centre uses a combination of non-surgical treatments (scaling, root planning and antibiotics) and surgical treatments (flap surgery or pocket reduction surgery, soft tissue grafts, bone grafting, guided tissue regeneration and applying tissue-stimulating proteins).
Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning)
Deep cleaning is frequently used as the first line of treatment for moderate to severe gum disease because the disease process deepens the pockets around each tooth, making it difficult to remove all the germs and toxins under the gum.
This non-surgical treatment involves numerous consultations and local anesthesia to properly debride the deep pockets and allow the gum to recover.
Antibiotic Treatment
Gum disease bacteria will begin to damage the supportive tooth structure surrounding the teeth. Antibiotics are one of the most powerful methods of killing bacteria. These antibiotics may be taken orally, in pill form, or applied topically directly to the parts of the mouth that are periodontally infected.
Pocket Reduction Surgery
When the non-surgical approach is insufficient in controlling the disease, surgery may be necessary in some cases to provide a more definitive long-term outcome. The infected gum tissue is trimmed away, and part of the bone is recontoured to allow a better adaptation of the gum to the bone. The result is a slimmer pocket size and less space for bacteria to fester.
Westgate Dental Centre has had years of experience with this procedure and successfully delivered predictable results in the most comfortable setting for our patients.
Gingival Grafting
If the gum tissue is too unhealthy to be put back together, a dentist will take healthy gum tissue from another section of the mouth and sew it in place. The graft replaces the damaged tissue and helps to secure the teeth, making them look better.
Periodontal Maintenance
Once active treatment is completed, a maintenance interval of 3-6 months based on the individual’s susceptibility is initiated to ensure your periodontal health will last for years.
Our Maple Ridge dentists are exceptional, with extensive experience treating patients with a history of periodontal disease. Our dentist will carefully monitor your periodontal status during each visit to prevent recurrence or breakdown. Your gum is in good hands, and that is our promise.
Have an Oral Check Up Now
Gum disease is a common and preventable condition that can lead to serious oral and systemic health problems if left untreated. Seeking professional treatment as soon as possible is essential to prevent the infection from worsening.
Westgate Dental Centre, a top-rated Maple Ridge dental clinic, provides high-quality periodontal disease treatment using state-of-the-art equipment and techniques. The experienced and compassionate staff strive to create a comfortable and welcoming environment for patients, guiding them through every step of the process, from initial consultation to post-treatment follow-up.
Don’t wait until it’s too late to seek treatment for gum disease. Contact Westgate Dental Centre today to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward optimal oral health and overall well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions
Periodontal disease treatment is a range of procedures designed to treat gum disease and restore the health of your gums and teeth. This treatment may include scaling and root planing, gum grafting, and periodontal surgery. The goal is to remove harmful bacteria and plaque from your mouth, reducing inflammation, stopping bleeding gums, and preventing tooth and bone loss.
The risk factors for periodontal disease include poor oral hygiene, smoking, genetics, diabetes, and hormonal changes in women. You can prevent gum disease by brushing and flossing daily, visiting your dental hygienist regularly, and avoiding smoking.
The symptoms of gum disease include bleeding gums, bad breath, loose teeth, and receding gums. If you notice these symptoms, you must see your dentist for a periodontal evaluation.
Tooth loss is a severe complication of untreated gum disease. However, with proper periodontal disease treatment, the progression of the disease can be stopped, and teeth can be saved.
Periodontal disease can cause bone loss around the teeth, leading to tooth loss. However, with prompt treatment, the progression of bone loss can be stopped and, in some cases, reversed.
Harmful bacteria in the mouth contribute to the development of periodontal disease by causing inflammation and infection of the gums. To eliminate these bacteria, thorough periodontal cleaning and proper oral hygiene are required.
Yes, with proper periodontal disease treatment, good oral hygiene, and regular dental visits, you can keep your teeth healthy for a lifetime.
