Periodontal Disease
Therapy

Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is an inflammation of the gums. A sticky bacterial film, known as plaque, constantly forms on the teeth. If not removed with brushing and flossing, the plaque hardens into tartar, or calculus. It can also cause the gums to pull away from the teeth, creating pockets where bacteria can hide. The tartar and pockets make it extremely hard to eliminate plaque on your own, which may lead to gum disease.

In its earliest stages, periodontal disease is known as gingivitis. At this point, with dental treatment and excellent homecare, gum disease can be reversed. However, as it advances into periodontitis, gum disease may damage the tissues that support the teeth. If not managed, it can also destroy the supporting bone, eventually resulting in tooth loss.

While periodontitis can’t be reversed, we can stop its progression and keep it under control to reduce the likelihood of tooth loss. Periodontitis has been tied to a host of other conditions, including asthma, heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease. While a causal relationship hasn’t been proven conclusively, it still highlights the importance of managing periodontal disease.

Signs of gum disease include:

• Puffy, swollen, red gums
• Gums that bleed easily, especially when brushing and flossing
• Tenderness
• Bad breath
• Gums that pull away from the teeth
• Pain when chewing
• Pus between the teeth and gums
• Teeth that feel loose or seem to be moving apart from each other
• Changes in your bite (i.e., the way your upper and lower teeth fit together)
• Changes in how your partial dentures fit
• Tooth loss

As soon as you notice that your gums are swollen, red and/or bleeding easily, schedule a visit with your Vancouver dentist. These are symptoms of gingivitis, which, with professional care, can be reversed. Once gingivitis turns into periodontitis, it can no longer be reversed, but with proper treatment, it can be managed.

The main cause of periodontal disease is a bacterial infection due to the buildup of plaque. When plaque isn’t removed with brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar, which can only be removed with a professional cleaning. Practicing good oral hygiene and visiting a dentist for regular exams and cleanings are the keys to preventing gum disease.

Though the bacteria and toxins in plaque are what irritate the gums, there are other risk factors that can make you more susceptible to periodontal disease, such as:

• Smoking or chewing tobacco
• Having crowded or crooked teeth since they’re harder to effectively clean
• Genetics
• Hormonal changes, including those that occur during pregnancy
• Diabetes
• Certain medications
• Poor-fitting dental appliances
• Illnesses, including HIV

Periodontal therapy is a collection of surgical and nonsurgical procedures used to fight gum disease. Therapies range from deep cleaning to eliminate plaque and tartar from under the gums to surgically repairing lost gum tissue and bone. The aim of periodontal therapy is to treat diseased tissues, restore the health of the gums and bone and prevent tooth loss. While periodontitis (advanced gum disease) can’t be reversed or cured, periodontal therapy can manage the condition and stop it from progressing.

We’ll take any necessary diagnostic records and our Vancouver dentist, Dr. Sonia Sahi, will perform a thorough exam. If she does diagnose you with periodontal disease, she’ll develop a personalized treatment plan based on your needs and the extent of your condition.

At Nest Dental, we generally start with non-surgical, conservative treatment when possible, such as scaling and root planing. We use technology in an effort to make procedures efficient and comfortable and we also offer dental sedation to help you relax.

Before getting started, we’ll let you know the exact cost of your gum disease treatment, so there are no surprises. Dr. Sahi will also walk you through her diagnosis and treatment plan, ensuring you know exactly what to expect.

At Nest, we have:

• Experience in both surgical and non-surgical periodontal techniques
• A full range of gum disease treatments, including scaling and root planing, gum grafting, periodontal plastic surgery and more
• A clean, soothing office
• Safe sedation dentistry
• The latest diagnostic and treatment technology
• A focus on safety with medical-grade sterilization and sanitation, air purification systems, enclosed operatories and negative pressure isolation
• A knowledgeable, compassionate dentist and team
• Amenities for your comfort and entertainment, ranging from noise-cancelling headphones to a TV in your suite
• Transparent pricing, flexible financing and most insurances accepted