Stages of Periodontal Disease – Chicago
A periodontist is a special dentist who can help you diagnose and treat gum disease. Some signs that indicate you need to see a periodontist are painful gums, bleeding gums, tooth sensitivity, tender gums, pus formation, swollen gums, and bite changes. A periodontist will administer treatment based on the stage of your infection.
What are the stages of periodontal disease?
There are four stages of periodontal disease that range from mild to advanced:
Gingivitis: This is the first stage of gum disease that is characterized by a plaque buildup around the gum line. This should be treated immediately as delaying treatment can make the condition advance further.
Slight Periodontal Disease: This is the second stage in which the disease now affects both the bone and fibers that are attached to the roots of your teeth. Your periodontist can still help you but the disease is beginning to destroy your bone.
Moderate Periodontal Disease: This is the third stage and by now the disease in deep and bacteria attack the bones and bloodstream aggressively. Your periodontist will need to do a deep cleaning procedure to remove bacteria.
Advanced Periodontal Disease: This is the final stage and when you reach this stage, the disease has significantly destroyed the bone that supports your teeth. The symptoms will be severe, and advanced surgery is required in order to reach your deep pockets.
What are Gum Disease Treatment Options?
Treatment of gum disease is done according to the stages of the infection. Sometimes the periodontist only performs a dental cleaning and requests you make lifestyle changes. Some other times, more serious procedures may be done. These include:
- Pocket Reduction: Gum surgery that removes bacteria found in the periodontal pockets that formed when your gum receded.
- Regeneration procedure: Procedure that inserts a material to regenerate your gums.
- Scaling and root planning: Deep cleaning procedure.
- Soft Tissue Graft: Attaching tissues taken from other parts to the gums.
If you are worried about the condition of your gums, call us to speak to a periodontist.
