Periodontal Disease Specialist

What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease, also called gum disease, is a bacterial infection in your gums. Periodontal disease is painless and caused by plaque, the sticky film of bacteria that is constantly forming on the teeth.

Periodontal disease ranges from simple gum inflammation to severe disease. If left untreated, the infection spreads and destruction occurs in the structures that support your teeth in your jawbone. 

Untreated periodontal disease results in major damage to the soft tissue and bone that support your teeth. Periodontal disease is a major cause of tooth loss in adults.

What is gingivitis?

Gingivitis is the term given to the mildest form of periodontal disease. Gingivitis causes your gums to become red and swollen, and bleed easily. However, gingivitis generally doesn’t cause pain or discomfort.

Gingivitis is caused by plaque that forms on your teeth soon after brushing. When done correctly, brushing and flossing remove most of the plaque from your teeth. Professional cleanings help keep plaque under control in places that are harder for your toothbrush and floss to reach.

However, if your oral hygiene slips or you skip dental visits, then plaque can build up on the teeth. Eventually, it may spread below the gum line. The cells of your immune system release substances to get rid of the bacteria. These substances inflame and damage your gums. 

With the help of the EZ Dental team and good oral home care, gingivitis is reversible.

How is periodontal disease treated?

When EZ Dental treats you for periodontal disease, their main goal is to control your infection. The type of treatment you receive depends on the extent of your gum disease. The two main methods EZ Dental uses to remove plaque include:

Scaling

This method involves scraping the tartar from above and below your gum line.

Root planing

This method gets rid of rough spots on the roots of your teeth where germs gather, helping remove the bacteria that contribute to periodontal disease. Root planing results in less bleeding, swelling, and discomfort compared to traditional deep cleaning methods.

For an effective solution against periodontal disease, call or make an appointment online today with EZ Dental.