Periodontal Disease
Stuart J. Froum, DDS
Periodontists & Dental Implants Specialists located in Midtown, New York, NY
Nearly 65 million Americans have periodontal disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Periodontal disease is a serious condition that puts you at risk for illnesses like heart disease and stroke, which is why Stuart J. Froum, DDS, provides a number of treatment options at his Midtown Manhattan office in New York City. For more information, call Stuart J. Froum, DDS, or schedule an appointment online today.
Periodontal Disease Q & A
What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is an infection of the gums and tooth-supporting tissues caused by a buildup of plaque and bacteria.
As the disease progresses, it can destroy your gums, underlying tissues, and jawbone, leading to a number of serious complications, including tooth loss. Without proper treatment, periodontal disease raises your risk of heart disease, stroke, respiratory conditions, and certain cancers.
Are there different types of periodontal disease?
The two main types of gum disease are:
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is characterized by gum inflammation. At this stage, your tooth-supporting structures should still be intact. This is a reversible condition when treated properly, so early intervention is key.
Periodontitis
Periodontitis means the plaque and bacteria on your gums have spread beneath the gumline.
When this occurs, harmful bacteria get trapped in small pockets underneath your gums, releasing toxins that destroy your gums, tissues, and tooth-supporting bones. You cannot reverse periodontitis, but you can manage the disease with proper care.
What are the symptoms of periodontal disease?
The most common signs of periodontal disease include:
- Red gums
- Gum inflammation
- Gum pain
- Tender gums
- Tooth sensitivity
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Receding gums
- Loose teeth
- Tooth loss
In many instances, the signs of gum disease are subtle, so it’s important to call Stuart J. Froum, DDS, right away if you have any of the above symptoms.
How is gum disease treated?
Dr. Froum offers several gum disease treatments, depending on the severity of your condition. These include:
Pocket depth reduction
During a pocket depth reduction procedure, Dr. Froum removes the disease-causing bacteria and infection, then thoroughly cleans and smooths the tooth surfaces.
If necessary, he may reshape and contour the gums and apply an antimicrobial material in the pockets to prevent future infection. When performed properly, pocket depth reduction can help save your teeth from requiring extraction.
Periodontal maintenance
Even if you’ve had periodontal surgery or nonsurgical treatment, coming into the office for regular periodontal cleanings is crucial for maintaining your results.
Scaling and root planing
Scaling and root planing is a procedure that involves removing plaque and hardened tartar from beneath the gumline using special dental instruments. This is a nonsurgical procedure that can eliminate signs of gum disease and prevent serious complications, including tooth loss.
To learn more about the periodontal services offered at Stuart J. Froum, DDS, call the office or book a visit online.
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