Understanding & Arresting Gum Disease
Up to 80 percent of the population unknowingly has some form of gum disease. Characterized by a persistent bacterial infection surrounding one tooth or several teeth, gum disease causes little discomfort and produces few obvious symptoms in the early stages. When periodontal disease is not treated, it will spread and compromise gums, teeth, bone, and it can lead to heart disease and strokes, as well as diabetes and pregnancy complications.
Who is at risk?
Any of the following conditions greatly exacerbate the risk of gum disease: smoking, tobacco use, hormone fluctuations, stress, some medications, bruxism, diabetes, poor nutrition, HIV, and any disease resulting in immunosuppression., heredity, and poor oral hygiene. Even patients who practice good oral homecare routines can get gum disease. Gums irritated by bacteria can recede from the teeth, creating deep pockets where more bacteria can hide and flourish.
Treating Gum Disease
LANAP as a treatment for Periodontitis
Periodontitis is a destructive gum disease that develops from gingivitis. When plaque builds up around the teeth and gums, it can cause inflammation of the gum tissue and bleeding. This is known as gingivitis. If left untreated and if bacteria takes hold causing more bacteria-infected plaque and tartar build-up, the entire tooth structure can rot, become loose and fall out.
The two main gum diseases treated with LANAP procedures are gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is sometimes termed non-destructive periodontal disease where patients experience inflammation and bleeding of the gums resulting from build-up of plaque. The gingivitis can spread through bacterial infection to periodontitis causing the gums and bone structure in the mouth to deteriorate. The teeth can become separated from the gums and surrounding bone structures through infected pockets containing tartar.
LANAP can be used to remove the decayed portion of teeth, such as the tartar and bacterial infection, and can then be used to prepare teeth for further treatment, like fillings or crowns. Similar to root canal treatment, this procedure can remove infection from gum tissue and reshape gum tissue.
In particular, LANAP can painlessly and safely provide connective tissue attachments where the epithelium between the connecting tissue and membranes is missing due to damage, and can also restore the periodontal ligament fibres that connect the alveolar bone to the cementum (calcified substance anchoring the tooth root).
If you have further questions about gum disease and current treatments, please contact West Pasco Family Dental today for a consultation.