Periodontal (gum) disease is an inflammation or infection of the gums and bone that supports the teeth.  It is caused by the bacteria in plaque (the sticky, nearly clear colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth).  While seldom painful and frequently free of any obvious signs or symptoms, periodontal disease can progress, undetected, to the point where supporting bone is destroyed. 
      
  With 80% to 90% of all teenagers having some form of gingivitis (inflamed gums) and 75% of adult tooth loss for people over the age of 35 due to periodontal disease, early treatment and prevention is essential.
    
While periodontal disease is caused by plaque, a number of other factors including poorly fitting bridges, badly aligned teeth, defective fillings and poor home care contribute to the development of this condition.
 

Gums that bleed during brushing or flossing

Red, puffy gums

Persistent bad breath or bad taste in your mouth

Teeth that look longer because your gums have receded

Gums tenderness or pain

Gums that have separated from your teeth

Teeth that have shifted or loosened

Changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite

Pus coming from between your teeth and gums

Stages of Periodontal (Gum) Disease

Healthy	Healthy gingiva (gum tissue and bone anchor the teeth firmly in place)     Clinical Description: Healthy pink gum color No bleeding Tissue is firm & resilient
Gingivitis	Gingivitis develops as toxins in plaque irritate the gums, making them red, tender, swollen and likely to bleed easily.     Clinical Description: Red inflamed gums Bleeding when probed or brushed Puffy tissue
Periodontitis Early to Moderate	Periodontitis occurs when toxins destroy the tissues that anchor the teeth in the bone.  Gums become detached from the teeth, forming pockets that fill with more plaque.  Tooth roots are exposed to plaque and become susceptible to decay and sensitive to cold and touch.     Clinical Description: Gum attachment to tooth weakens More bleeding when probed Pockets of 4-6+mm between teeth & gum
Periodontitis Advanced	Advanced Periodontitis occurs when the teeth lose more attachment because the supporting bone is destroyed.   Unless treated, the affected teeth frequently become loose and may "fall out" or require removal by a dentist.     Clinical Description: Severe bone loss Considerable bleeding when probed Bone has angular and jagged edges Pockets now more than 6mm deep

                 
Periodontal Treatment
Once your condition has been diagnosed and documented, your doctor will discuss the proper treatment plan in detail.   A series of  appointments are scheduled to properly treat the existing condition. 
       
Common types of periodontal treatment include:
Scaling
Root Planing
Use of Oral Hygiene Aids such as a prescription mouth rinse
Gum Graft
Flap Surgery
  
Our doctors will also provide self-treatment instructions, which are vital for treatment and continued health.  If necessary, we will team up with the areas' best Periodontists for treatment of patients with severe symptoms.

New Technology for Treating Gum Disease

Atridox (non surgical)
Perio stat (non surgical)
Bone Grafts (surgical)
Connective tissue graphs (surgical)

Dr. Ebrahimian will be happy to discuss these options and provide a recommendation as needed.