Laser Periodontics and Implant Dentistry

What is Periodontal Disease? 

Periodontal disease is an ongoing bacterial infection in your gums and bone that surround your teeth.  Periodontal bacteria destroy the supporting bone which is the anchor for your teeth. These periodontal bacteria live in “pockets” that surround your teeth, and these “pockets” left untreated, can cause eventual tooth loss.

Often periodontal disease is painless until the more advanced stages, and you may not know that you even have it.   

Here are some of the symptoms which could indicate periodontal disease:

• red or swollen gums
• bleeding when brushing or flossing
• soreness or tenderness in your gums
• bad breath
• shifting of your teeth
• looseness of your teeth

 There are many factors that increase problems with periodontal disease: 

• poor oral hygiene and home care
• smoking
• illness and/or medications
• genetic factors
• age

Consequences of leaving periodontal disease untreated:

• cardiac risk factors
• diabetes risk factors
• joint replacement risk facts

A periodontist is a specialist that diagnoses periodontal disease and has had advanced schooling.

PLEASE VISIT www.perio.org for more information.