Periodontal Disease

How do you get periodontal disease?

Essentially, it is bacteria that causes periodontal disease. The mouth contains an estimated 20 million bacteria at times, and, if allowed to grow and multiply unchecked, this causes plaque to develop on teeth, which can result in tooth decay. For gums, whilst some bacteria are necessary to keep them healthy, the effect of excess bacteria in the mouth and plaque developing on the teeth can overwhelm the tissue’s natural defences and cause inflammation, which can lead to periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease causes include:

• Poor teeth brushing technique
• Infrequent brushing of teeth or flossing

There are also other factors that can mean that you are at an increased risk of experiencing gum problems like periodontal disease, including:

• Smoking
• Pregnancy (some pregnant women have an increased inflammatory response to bacterial plaque)
• Diabetes (this condition can limit the body’s ability to fight gum disease)
• Dry mouth (a reduced flow of saliva can stop bacteria from being washed away)

What are the signs and symptoms of periodontal disease?

The periodontal disease symptoms that you may experience will vary, depending on the progression of the condition. Early signs of periodontal disease (gingivitis) can include:

• A small amount of blood when brushing teeth or flossing
• Red, inflamed or swollen gums
• Bad breath on occasion (halitosis)

If the condition isn’t treated or stopped in its early stages, it can develop into a more serious issue, called periodontitis, where you could experience gum recession, abscesses and even tooth loss.

What are the stages of periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease has two main stages. If the condition is not diagnosed or not treated effectively when in its early stages, it can progress to the point where permanent damage is done.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is a mild form of periodontal disease and can usually be reversed, if spotted early enough and treated appropriately. It isn’t always painful or noticeable to have gingivitis, but it can cause redness and swelling. Regular visits to your dentist can help ensure that any gum issues like this are picked up at an early stage.

Periodontitis

If Gingivitis isn’t treated, the condition can progress to the point that the inflammation affects the bones and ligaments that hold teeth in place, known as periodontitis. When healthy, the gum forms a seal around each tooth, which helps keep out harmful bacteria and stops plaque forming below the gumline. Periodontitis can make the gums start to pull away from teeth, which means that they become harder to clean and infection can sometimes set in. This can cause gum abscesses, pain and sensitivity and eventually, can result in the gums receding further and tooth loss.

How do you treat periodontal disease?

The appropriate periodontal disease treatment for you will depend on the progression of your condition. If it’s still at the stage where it is considered to be gingivitis, the condition can usually be treated with an improved oral hygiene routine, including daily brushing and flossing to stop plaque from forming.

If your condition has progressed, you may first need x-rays to see the full extent of the damage. If your gums are infected, then you may be prescribed antibiotics and it’s likely that a dentist or hygienist will need to give your teeth a deep clean to remove any plaque and tartar.

If the periodontal disease has progressed beyond this, your dentist may recommend more invasive treatment, such as root planning or gum surgery.

What happens with untreated periodontal disease?

If periodontal disease is not treated in a timely manner, the condition can worsen and result in serious gum infections, abscesses, receding gums and even tooth loss. If you have regularly been visiting your dentist over a long period of time and they have failed to diagnose you with periodontal disease, meaning that your condition has progressed to a stage where permanent damage is done or extensive further treatment is required, they may have been negligent in your care.

If this is the case, you might be eligible for compensation for the pain and suffering that the negligence caused. To find out more about making a dental negligence claim, get in touch with the team at the Dental Law Partnership, by calling 0808 159 1215.

How common is periodontal disease?

As many as 90% of people are thought to have some of the early signs of periodontal disease (gingivitis). However, the condition at this stage is often treated successfully and the damage done can usually be reversed. Thankfully, many less people experience the more serious periodontitis, which can result in permanent damage. Regular dental visits should help ensure that your dentist picks up on any early signs of this condition so that you can be treated effectively.

If your dentist doesn’t diagnose the condition and you suffer as a result, you might be able to make a claim for dental negligence. Contact us for more information.

Can you have implants after periodontal disease?

Whether or not you can replace lost teeth with implants after having periodontal disease will depend on your individual circumstances. Sometimes, after a tooth is lost, the supporting bone under the gum will also deteriorate, meaning that implants, won’t always be possible. Another option could be a bridge, but this will depend on the presence and strength of neighbouring teeth to support it.

Your dentist will be able to provide advice on your options based on your individual dental history and the current situation with your teeth and gums.