Periodontal therapy is the treatment and prevention of gum disease. Your gums provide crucial support and protection to your teeth and their health and condition is essential to your overall oral health. Gum disease can form if tartar and plaque is allowed to build up in the mouth, causing bacteria to attack gum tissue. This is easy to treat in the early stages, but can develop into periodontitis, a more serious condition, if left untreated.
Plaque deposits can accumulate in areas hard to reach when brushing, particularly where your teeth meet the gums, causing inflammation. This results in an early stage of gum disease, called gingivitis. The symptoms of gingivitis include bleeding while brushing, redness, and swollen gums.
If left untreated, the gum becomes detached from the tooth enamel, exposing the root and forming a pocket between gum and tooth which fills with plaque. Over time, the pocket becomes deeper and the inflammation reaches the bone, which is slowly destroyed. The affected tooth becomes loose and may even fall out. This is known as periodontitis.
Most cases of mild gum disease can be controlled and treated by our hygienist, who can also help you maintain healthy gums to stop the condition returning. Great brushing and interdental cleaning at home will also help keep your gums clear of disease.