Gum Disease:   (Periodontal Disease)

What is Periodontal Disease?

    Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums and underlying bone which support your teeth.
It is caused by a buildup of the bacteria which live in the plaque and calculus on your teeth. The result is bone loss which can lead to tooth loss.

If you don't remove plaque from your teeth and gums every day, you may find that your gums become swollen and red and that they bleed easily when you brush your teeth.

As the disease progresses, your gums may pull away from your teeth to form pockets or gaps between your teeth and gums. We call these gaps Periodontal Pockets. As periodontal pockets can be very difficult to clean out properly, they tend to fill up with more plaque and calculus. They can become infected.

If this infection spreads to your underlying jawbone, your teeth may become loose. Periodontal disease is the main reason for tooth loss in adults. However, periodontal disease is nearly always treatable, and teeth can be saved...if the disease is diagnosed, early enough.

How do you know you have Periodontal disease?

   You might notice that you have bleeding gums, bad breath, receding gums, or loose teeth. The scary thing is that you can have it and not know it.  So, only after a complete, comprehensive exam can you know if you have this and to what extent. 

How is Periodontal Disease treated?

   The first step is to have a special periodontal examination.

At this appointment, we will assess how much gum damage and bone loss has occurred in your mouth.

We will note how much your gums bleed when gently touched. We will measure gum recession. We will check your X-rays for bone loss.

We will show you the best ways to stop the plaque from building up around your gums and point out the areas in your mouth which require special attention.

The type of treatment you require will depend on how advanced your particular case of periodontal disease is. We will explain this to you after your first periodontal examination. The main aim of periodontal treatment is to make your gums and bone healthy and to keep them that way. Over several appointments we will gradually remove plaque and calculus from your teeth and from under your gums.

Sometimes it may be necessary to reshape your gums and underlying bone so that we can correct the damage done by periodontal disease.

How often will you need to return for treatment?

The number of appointments vary depending on the severity of your disease. A referral to a specialist: Periodontist may also be recommended.

Once your periodontal disease is under control, you'll need to return for regular health- maintaining appointments. Periodontal disease will only recur if you allow it to. You must keep up with your cleanings.

As your gums and bone become healthier, you may notice some changes in your mouth.

1.   Your teeth may become a little sensitive ( especially with cold food).

2.   Your gums may recede as they become less swollen...as the disease regresses.

3.   You may notice increased gaps between your teeth, or an apparent change in tooth length. This is due to gum recession.

4.   Some teeth may feel loose for a while. These changes are normal. But please feel free to express your concerns.

What can you do to prevent or control Periodontal Disease?

You need to thoroughly brush and floss your teeth every day .

You should try to eat well-balanced meals and visit us at regular intervals as prescribed for your particular condition.

Steven H. Feit, D.M.D., P.A.
240 West Palmetto Park Road
Suite 220
Boca Raton, FL 33432

Office:  (561) 338-7535
Fax:      (561) 368-2981
feit@stevenfeit.com