The stages of periodontal disease in humans are divided into four categories: gingivitis, gingival disease, advanced periodontal disease, and bone destruction. Gingivitis is the earliest stage of periodontal disease. Treatments for gingivitis range from deep cleaning to scaling and root planing. In advanced stages, the bacteria have reached bone and are attacking the blood stream.
Gingivitis is the earliest stage of periodontal disease
The earliest stage of human periodontal disease is gingivitis, and it is often reversible with proper dental care. However, if not treated properly, it can progress to the more serious stage of periodontitis. During this stage, the structures that hold the teeth in place are damaged. For this reason, it is important to visit a dentist regularly and practice good oral hygiene.
Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums caused by plaque, which is created when the bacteria that live in the mouth get in contact with food. This inflammation causes the gums to bleed when you brush your teeth. This stage is easily reversible, and the damage is not permanent. However, untreated gingivitis can progress to slight or moderate periodontal disease. During this stage, your gums may start to recede, creating tiny pockets where harmful bacteria can invade.
Once the gum disease has progressed to this stage, it can lead to tooth loss. The condition has no cure, but the first steps towards treatment are simple. The first step is to consult with a specialist periodontist. This specialist can perform an examination and recommend a course of treatment.
If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to moderate periodontitis, which can result in bone loss and painful teeth. During this stage, bacteria living in plaque cause toxins that irritate the gums and stimulate an inflammatory response throughout the body. As a result, the teeth can become loose and even fall out. Therefore, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible.
In most cases, gingivitis is the most mild stage of periodontal disease. The symptoms of gingivitis include bleeding gums and swollen gums. Fortunately, gingivitis is treatable with proper dental care and daily brushing.
Gingivitis is treated with scaling and root planing
Gingivitis is a mild form of periodontal disease that can be reversed with good oral hygiene and regular cleaning. If the disease progresses to more severe stages, a dentist may perform scaling and root planing, a dental procedure that involves removing tartar and plaque from teeth and gums.
Scaling and root planing is the first step in treating periodontal disease. It removes bacterial plaque and calculus from teeth, smoothening the root surfaces. It may be followed by periodontal surgery if deep pockets are present. While there is no direct connection between periodontal disease and heart disease, it can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.
The symptoms of gingivitis are red, swollen gums, and bleeding during brushing. However, there may be no pain or other symptoms. If the condition is left untreated, it may go undetected for years.
A dentist may apply a local anesthetic to the affected area and use different scraping tools to remove tartar from the teeth. The dentist will also pay special attention to any pockets between the gums and teeth. These pockets can be a source of tartar and contribute to gingivitis and periodontal disease.
Other risk factors for periodontal disease include smoking and diabetes. In addition, some medications can cause your gums to swell, making them more difficult to clean. People who are suffering from certain diseases can also have an increased risk of developing gingivitis.
Another method for treating gingivitis is regeneration of bone and tissue supporting the teeth. This technique can help restore lost bone tissue and prevent bone loss. In some cases, a bone graft is necessary in order to stimulate new bone growth. In other cases, a special protein is applied to stimulate tissue growth.
Gingivitis is treated with gum surgery
Surgical procedures are an option for treating gum disease. Gum surgery can help remove deep pockets and improve dental aesthetics. The surgery removes gingiva and tartar and smoothes the roots and gum line. The surgeon may also use bone grafts, membranes, or tissue-stimulating proteins to improve the gum line.
Certain drugs, such as bisphosphonates, can aggravate the disease. They may also cause osteonecrosis of the jaw. These drugs must be disclosed to your oral surgeon. Also, poor oral hygiene can encourage bacterial buildup. Improper contouring of dental restorations traps plaque and debris. Furthermore, abnormal tooth structure is another risk factor for periodontal disease.
There are two main types of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontitis. Both are progressive diseases that cause damage to the tissue and bone that support the teeth. Patients who have periodontitis may require gum surgery to restore their smile and prevent further damage to the bone and gums.
In gum surgery for human periodontal disease, small incisions are made in the gum tissue to expose deeper tissues. Sometimes, irregular surfaces of the bone are smoothed so that bacteria can be removed. Tissue-stimulating proteins, membranes, and bone grafts may also be used to promote the body’s natural ability to regenerate bone and tissue.
Inflammated gum tissue and a receding gum line are common symptoms of gingivitis. Inflammated gums may bleed more easily during brushing and flossing and may even lead to early bone loss.
