Are your gums red, swollen, or tender? Do they bleed when you brush or floss? You may be experiencing the beginnings of gum disease, or periodontitis.
If so, you need to consult with Philadelphia periodontists as soon as possible. Doing so can keep your gum disease from becoming a much more serious problem.
The words “periodontitis” and “periodontist” derive from the Greek peri, “around,” and odont, “tooth.” Periodontitis, then, is a disease “around the tooth.” By any name, it’s one of the most common oral health problems in the United States. Nearly half (46%) of all U.S. adults age 30 or over show signs of periodontitis.
A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in what’s “around the tooth.” They are gum disease specialists, focused on preventing, diagnosing, and treating it. The West Philadelphia periodontists at Penn Dental Medicine (PDM) at PHMC Public Health Campus on Cedar are among the most skilled, advanced, and affordable.
Know the Causes and Symptoms of Periodontitis
The primary cause of gum disease is poor oral hygiene.
Plaque is a sticky, colorless film of bacteria. When plaque builds up on the teeth and along the gum line, it can harden into tartar (calculus) and cause periodontitis.
Other factors—including tobacco use, hormonal changes, and genetics—can contribute to periodontal disease. But poor brushing and flossing habits are far and away the most typical cause.
Knowing gum disease’s signs and symptoms is important so you know when to contact your Philadelphia periodontist. The indicators vary in each stage of periodontal disease:
1. Gingivitis
Gum disease’s earliest stage is gingivitis. You may notice redness, tenderness, and puffiness in your gums. They may bleed when you brush or floss your teeth. Fortunately, gingivitis doesn’t affect your jawbone. Prompt, proper treatment and good oral hygiene practices can reverse gingivitis completely.
2. Mild Periodontitis
As periodontal disease progresses, bacteria begin to penetrate below your gum line and form pockets around your teeth, threatening your jawbone. You may experience bad breath that won’t go away despite regular brushing and flossing. Your teeth might also appear longer than usual because your gum line is receding.
3. Moderate Periodontitis
At this more advanced stage of gum disease, the pockets around your teeth deepen. Bacteria weaken the supporting bone and tissues around your teeth. causing further damage to your gums and jawbone. You may experience increased tooth sensitivity, loose teeth, and changes in your bite.
4. Advanced Periodontitis
In the most severe stage of gum disease, significant damage has occurred to your gums, jawbone, and supporting structures. Teeth may become very loose or even fall out. The infection may spread to other parts of the body, leading to serious complications for your overall health.
Why Patients With Gum Disease Need To Visit Periodontists
Periodontists are gum disease specialists. They complete three additional years of education and clinical experience in the field after dental school. Their specialized training makes them experts in treating gum disease, as well as in placing dental implants.
In addition to clinical expertise, periodontists have a deep understanding of systemic connections between oral health and overall health. Research has shown the bacteria and inflammation associated with gum disease can have negative effects on the cardiovascular, respiratory, and other bodily systems. As a result, periodontists work closely with other providers to ensure patients receive comprehensive care.
How Gum Disease Specialists Treat Periodontitis
Periodontists can treat gum disease through professional cleanings, improved oral hygiene practices, and, in some cases, surgical intervention.
Professional Cleanings
Professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup from the teeth and gum line. Special tools can scrape away hardened plaque and tartar, a process called scaling.
Additionally, a periodontist may perform a procedure called root planing. Root planing involves smoothing out rough spots on the roots of the teeth (the portion below the gum line) to prevent bacteria from accumulating and causing further damage.
Improved Oral Hygiene Practices
Improving oral hygiene habits can also help prevent the progression of periodontal disease.
Brushing your teeth at least twice a day using a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste is crucial in removing plaque and preventing its buildup. Flossing daily and using mouthwash also helps remove bacteria from areas a toothbrush can’t reach.
Additionally, a periodontist may prescribe antimicrobial medications or recommend lifestyle changes to improve oral hygiene. They will also offer patients personalized oral hygiene instructions for keeping gums healthy between regular visits.
Surgical Intervention
In more severe cases, such procedures as gum grafts or flap surgery may be needed to repair damaged tissue and restore oral health.
Flap surgery involves lifting the gums to remove tartar and repair damage to the bone. Gum grafts use tissue from the patient’s palate or another source to cover exposed tooth roots and prevent further gum recession.
Periodontists are also skilled in placing dental implants. Implants may be necessary if advanced gum disease has caused tooth loss.
Trust the Affordable Periodontists in West Philadelphia at 54th and Cedar
If you need to visit a periodontist in Philadelphia, come to PDM at PHMC on Cedar in Cobbs Creek, West Philadelphia, PA.
You’ll receive skilled and comprehensive care from senior students at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, one of the nation’s oldest and most respected dental schools. Experienced periodontists, all of whom are dental school faculty, supervise and guide them. Your student periodontist will use the latest, evidence-based techniques to treat your gums and improve your oral health.
Gum disease can be a silent danger. Even if you’re not currently experiencing signs or symptoms, a visit to a periodontist allows for an examination of your gums’ health. It is a chance to catch and manage periodontal disease early, increasing your chance of the best possible outcome.
More and more of your neighbors in Southwest and West Philadelphia are discovering the low-cost periodontists at 54th and Cedar. Join them. Schedule your appointment today. Call 855-887-9229 and press 2 for Dental, then 2 for PDM at PHMC on Cedar.
