What is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is an infection of the tissues that hold teeth in place. It is caused by the accumulation of plaque—a sticky film of bacteria—on the teeth and gums. When plaque is not removed by brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar, which can only be removed by a dental professional. Proper oral hygiene is essential in preventing the accumulation of plaque and tartar.

The presence of plaque and tartar causes inflammation of the gums, known as gingivitis, the earliest stage of periodontal disease.

• If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to more severe forms of the disease, such as periodontitis.
• Periodontitis involves the inflammation spreading to the supporting bone and connective tissues.
• This progression can ultimately cause tooth loss.

Stages of Periodontal Disease and Their Impact on Your Teeth

Periodontal disease progresses through several stages, each with its symptoms and consequences for your teeth. Knowing these stages can help you understand how long you can keep your teeth and what to do to manage the disease. Proper oral hygiene is crucial at every stage of periodontal disease.

Early Stages: Gingivitis

The earliest stage of periodontal disease is gingivitis, which is characterised by mild inflammation of the gums. Early signs of gingivitis are gum redness, bleeding gums during brushing or flossing, and persistent bad breath. The disease is reversible at this stage because the bone and connective tissues that hold the teeth in place are not yet affected.

Teeth with gum disease in this early stage can be preserved through professional dental cleanings and oral hygiene. Regular brushing, flossing and using an antibacterial mouthwash can help remove the plaque buildup that causes gingivitis and prevent the disease from progressing to more severe stages.

Moderate Periodontitis

If gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress to moderate periodontitis. In this stage, the inflammation extends deeper into the tissue, causing gum recession. In this stage, the gums pull away from the teeth, creating pockets. These pockets can become infected and cause further damage to the gum tissue and underlying bone.

This periodontitis is often associated with swollen gums, puffy gums and loose teeth. The damage at this stage is more severe, and although the disease is no longer reversible, it can still be managed to prevent further deterioration.

Treatments such as root planing, where the roots of the teeth are cleaned to remove bacteria and tartar, and pocket reduction surgery may be required to stop the disease from progressing and to keep the affected teeth. Sound oral hygiene is crucial in managing moderate periodontitis and preventing further damage.

Advanced Periodontitis

In the advanced stage of periodontal disease, inflammation and infection have caused significant damage to the connective tissue and surrounding bone. This can result in severe gum recession, where the gums recede far from the teeth, exposing the root surface and making the teeth look longer.

Teeth in this stage can be so loose they can fall out independently or require tooth extraction. Symptoms of advanced periodontal disease are extreme tooth decay, bone loss, and deep pockets between the teeth and gums, which are hard to clean.

Advanced gum disease increases the risk of tooth loss, but modern periodontal treatments have solutions to manage even this stage. Good oral hygiene remains essential even in the advanced stages of periodontal disease.

So, Will I eventually lose my teeth with periodontal disease?

How long you can preserve your teeth with gum disease depends on several factors. These are how early the disease is detected, the type and quality of treatment you get, and your commitment to oral hygiene.

Early Detection and Treatment

The earlier periodontal disease is detected, the better the chances of keeping your teeth. Early periodontal disease is much easier to manage and control than advanced periodontal disease. Regular dental check-ups and dental x-rays are key to early detection.

During these check-ups, your dentist can identify early signs of gum disease, such as bleeding gums or red gum, and recommend the right treatment. Professional dental cleanings can also remove plaque and tartar that regular brushing might miss and prevent gum disease from progressing.

Quality of Treatment

The quality of treatment you receive plays a big role in how long you can retain your teeth. Nonsurgical treatments such as deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) are effective in periodontal disease’s early and moderate stages. These treatments remove the plaque and tartar buildup below the gum line and smooth the root surfaces.

In more severe cases, surgical treatments such as flap and pocket reduction may be needed to clean out deep pockets of bacteria and repair the gum tissue. Bone grafting and tissue grafts can help regenerate lost bone and gum tissue and support the affected teeth.

Guided tissue regeneration is another advanced treatment that encourages the regrowth of bone and soft tissue around the teeth. When done successfully, these treatments can extend the life of your natural teeth.

Commitment to Oral Hygiene

Oral hygiene is the most critical factor in how long you can maintain your teeth with gum disease. Daily brushing and flossing are necessary to remove plaque and prevent bacteria that cause gum disease from building up. Using an antibacterial mouthwash can further reduce the risk of infection.

Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings are also important. These cleanings are necessary to remove tartar that regular brushing and flossing can’t remove. Lifestyle factors such as diet, not smoking and managing conditions like diabetes can also reduce your risk of getting periodontal disease or worsening the existing condition.

Preventing Further Progression and Associated Health Risks

Preventing periodontal disease from progressing is important not only for your teeth but for your overall oral health. If left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to significant tooth loss and other serious health issues. Good oral hygiene is a preventive measure against further progression.

Research has shown a link between severe gum disease and systemic conditions such as heart disease. The inflammation caused by periodontal disease can constrict the arteries and increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes. So managing periodontal disease can have broader health benefits, and that’s why dental health is essential to overall wellness.

When is it too late to save teeth from gum disease?

It’s generally “too late” when teeth are too loose to stabilise, or bone remains insufficient for support, even with grafts or surgery. In these cases, extraction might be the only option.

Advanced Treatment Options for Severe Cases

For those who have reached an advanced stage of periodontal disease, there are still options to manage the condition and extend the life of their teeth. A soft tissue/ Bone graft can help rebuild the gum line, restore lost bone, and provide a stronger foundation for their teeth. Dental implants are another option for replacing missing teeth.

Get Gum Disease Treatment at Fulham Road Dental

Fulham Road Dental offers comprehensive gum disease treatment tailored to your specific needs. Our experienced team uses the latest techniques to manage and treat gum disease effectively. We aim to help you maintain healthy gums and a confident smile. Whether you need routine cleaning or more advanced periodontal care, Fulham Road Dental provides personalised treatment in a comfortable and welcoming environment.