What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is the most prevalent disease in the oral cavity and is responsible for more tooth loss than cavities. Periodontal (gum) diseases, including gingivitis and periodontitis, are serious infections that, left untreated, can lead to tooth loss. Periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the gums and bone supporting the teeth.
Although more than 50% of adults have some form of periodontal disease, those affected usually do not know they have the disease, as periodontal disease is one of the silent diseases (i.e. like high blood pressure). This means that you may have no pain from this disease, but if left untreated, it can become a serious problem and you may lose your teeth.
Source: National Institute of Dental & Craniofacial Research & American Heart Association
Periodontal disease can affect one tooth or many teeth. It begins when the bacteria in the saliva forms plaque around the teeth, which causes the gums to become inflamed. In the mildest form of the disease, gingivitis, the gums redden, swell and bleed easily. There is usually little or no discomfort. Gingivitis is reversible with professional treatment and good oral home care.
Untreated gingivitis can advance to periodontitis. With time, plaque can spread and grow below the gum line. Plaque releases toxins (poisons), which cause the gums to separate from the teeth, forming pockets (spaces between the teeth and gums) that become infected. As the disease progresses, the pockets deepen and more gum tissue and bone are destroyed. Often, this destructive process has very mild symptoms. Eventually, teeth can become loose and may have to be removed. The most important factor of this disease is that it is PREVENTABLE and TREATABLE!
What are the dangers of periodontal disease?
Periodontal Disease is the leading cause of tooth loss among adults. More importantly, the inflammation releases toxins into the bloodstream leading to serious health risks. It can affect your heart, make control of diabetes more difficult and has been related to Alzheimer’s disease, lung disease, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, stroke, etc.
For a free consultation please contact our New York Periodontist Dr. Stuart Froum in his Manhattan office at 212.586.4209 for more information regarding periodontal disease.
Because of this and his extensive experience treating his patients in his own private practice, Dr. Froum offers the most current techniques in implant treatment. Whether replacing a single missing tooth or multiple teeth, implants are a reliable method of restoring teeth without having to cut down good teeth for crown placement or having to wear removable bridges. We realize that all patients have different problems and you may have questions regarding your situation. This web site is designed to introduce you to our office, learn how we can help you and see what type of results are possible.