Periodontal Treatment

North Miami Family Dentist

Periodontal Treatment or Gum Disease at Beach Smile Dentistry Your Dentist in North Miami Beach fl

Periodontal disease affects 50% of all Americans age 30 and older. Without Periodontal Treatment you can have tooth loss, the need for dentures, and an array of additional health issues. Because of its potential severity, it is important that it is treated seriously, despite how common the disease is reported to be. It does not discriminate and can affect anyone of any age or sex.

What Is Periodontal Disease?

Gum disease is a gum infection that is ongoing. It affects, not only the gums, but the jawbone as well and can lead to tooth loss, as well as overall systemic issues. Typically the result of poor brushing and flossing habits, periodontal disease occurs after plaque has built up and hardened. There are four overall stages of periodontal disease, with only one being reversible.

Causes of Periodontal Disease

Causes of periodontal disease all boil down to bacteria. If plaque and tartar are not regularly removed (using good daily flossing and brushing habits, as well as regular professional teeth cleanings), gum disease will occur. Smoking is the most significant risk factor and can make periodontal disease treatment less effective. Other factors that increase one’s risk for gum disease include diabetes, medications that reduce the natural flow of saliva, genetics, hormonal changes, and certain illnesses like AIDS.

Stages of Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is broken up into four separate stages: gingivitis, slight periodontal disease, moderate periodontal disease, and advanced periodontal disease.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the only stage of periodontal disease that is reversible as it has not yet had time to attack the bones. It is the result of a buildup of plaque around the teeth. There are only a few signs at this stage and most are painless. This is what makes periodontal disease so common and so concerning. It is silent until it is not. Periodontal disease does not typically break its “silence” until the fourth and final stage. Beginning signs to watch out for include bad breath on occasion, swelling and redness of the gums, and bleeding when brushing or flossing. Good overall oral hygiene and regular checkups can treat and reverse gingivitis.

Slight Periodontal Disease

Slight periodontal disease is the second stage of periodontal disease. It is not reversible, but it is manageable. Once a patient reaches stage two, the infection has spread to the bone and begins its bone-destroying process. The bacteria evolves and becomes more aggressive, which is what causes the additional bone loss. Simple oral hygiene will no longer cut it. Signs include increased swelling or redness of the gums, bad breath, bleeding during brushing or flossing, and probing depths that are between four and five millimeters.

 

Moderate Periodontal Disease

Like slight periodontal disease, the third stage of periodontal disease cannot be reversed. At stage three, the same symptoms as stage two occur but probing depths are greater at six to seven millimeters which allows for even more bacteria to attack, not only your bones, but

Your blood stream and immune system as well. Treatment for stage two and stage three periodontal disease consists of scaling and root planning. Scaling and root planning are forms of deep cleaning that remove the deposits of bacteria that are deeply rooted in your gums. If left untreated, these stages can progress to bone and tooth loss, gum sensitivity, increased bleeding, and the shifting of teeth.

Advanced Periodontal Disease

The final stage of periodontal disease occurs when the infection deepens even further and the bacteria, once again, evolves into disease-causing bacteria. You are now at a 50% – 90% risk of bone loss. In addition to bone loss, advanced periodontal disease causes red, swollen gums that ooze pus, cold sensitivity, further loosening of teeth, painful chewing, and severe halitosis. This stage requires periodontal surgery or periodontal laser therapy in order to clean the deep bacteria-filled pockets that have formed. If left untreated, stage four periodontal disease leads to spacing or gaps between the teeth, gum recession, patients needing dentures, and other overall health problems that can be serious.

Treating periodontal disease quickly is of the utmost importance. Scheduling regular check-ups and cleanings and practicing good, daily oral hygiene habits can keep one from suffering from periodontal disease and/or can help halt the progression of periodontal disease.

Testimonials

Great from start to finish. Couldn’t be happier with my sparkly clean smile 😃 ✨
Eunice Delavida
Eunice Delavida
November 7, 2023.
Professional, friendly and will make you feel at home. They respect your time here - if your appt is at 10, they see you at 10, not 1030 or 11. I don’t need to keep looking for a better dentist anymore- dr Epstein is it!
Lily Giraldo
Lily Giraldo
November 4, 2023.
Very professional. I go there twice a year for dental cleaning and Ana is excellent. The doctor is personable. I recommend this office!
MA S
MA S
October 28, 2023.
Dr. Epstein and his team have been keeping us smiling for many years. They are so amazing that even after moving out of Dade County, we still travel back and will continue to do so. HIGHLY RECOMEND THEM!
Cezare Rivero
Cezare Rivero
October 28, 2023.
Excellent all around!
Maria De Carvalho
Maria De Carvalho
October 26, 2023.
I have been going to Beach Smile for a couple of years . Dr.Epstein and all his office staff are all amazing. Great new place with plenty parking spaces too!
eduardo hernandez
eduardo hernandez
October 24, 2023.
This is by far the best dental office in Miami. The entire staff is very professional and have an excellent calming attitude. Dr Epstein is the finest dentist you will experience in south Florida. Thank you for all your help and exceptional caring. The hygienist my apologies for not remembering her name is very remarkable. Many thanks very much recommended
Joseph Massa
Joseph Massa
October 22, 2023.
Wonderful first visit as a new patient! Office is very relaxing. Office staff are so nice and helpful. Anna is a great hygienist! Dr Epstein is so kind, understanding, a super competent professional. He created a very thorough detailed plan to meet all of my dental needs, took the time to explain each step in a calming and reassuring manner. He’s a gem of a dentist and this is a gem of a practice! I look forward to continuing, thank you!
Michele F
Michele F
October 19, 2023.

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