At Health Style Dental in Regina, we help our patients prevent and manage periodontal (gum) disease. We're proud to use Perio Protect as an innovative treatment option.
What is Gum Disease?
Gum (periodontal) disease is an infection of the supporting tissues of the teeth. Gum disease is typically caused by poor oral hygiene habits that allow plaque to build up on the teeth and harden, eventually affecting the gums.
Stages of Gum Disease
It is hard to detect gum disease when it first starts to develop. Many patients only begin to notice symptoms when they have progressed past the early stages.
Untreated, gum disease typically progresses in the following stages:
- Gingivitis
The first stage, called Gingivitis, is when plaque builds up and irritates the gums, making them inflamed, sore and likely to bleed.
- Periodontitis
The next stage, Periodontitis, occurs when plaque begins to harden and form tartar. As this tartar and plaque continue to build up, they cause the gums to recede. Eventually, bacteria-filled pockets form between the gums and teeth causing gums to become irritated, inflamed, and to bleed easily. At this stage, light to moderate bone loss in the jaw may also occur.
- Advanced Periodontitis
During this most advanced stage, the teeth lose support as the gums, bone, and periodontal ligament continue to deteriorate. If left untreated, the affected teeth will become very loose and may even fall out. Moderate to severe bone loss in the jaw may also occur.
Gum Disease Treatment
Periodontal treatment methods depend upon the type and severity of the disease.
If the disease is caught in the early stages, preventative therapy will be recommended.
- Non-Surgical Gum Therapy: Perio Protect
At Health Style Dental, we use Perio Protect, an innovative and noninvasive approach to treat mild gum disease. Perio Protect is a mouthguard-like tray which is custom-fitted for you by your dentist to maximize its comfort and effectiveness. The tray helps to deliver medication deep into the affected gums. When first beginning treatment, most patients require approximately 2-3 applications per day of about 10-15 minutes each. The frequency and length of applications will depend on your diagnosis.
- Advanced Cases
For patients with more advanced forms of gum disease, more invasive surgical treatments may be necessary to reverse the effects. If you require surgical treatment, we will refer you to a Periodontist.
- Post Treatment Maintenance
Once your periodontal treatment has been completed, our dental team will recommend that you have regular dental examinations and preventative therapy, usually four times a year. Good oral hygiene practices and preventative therapy are essential in keeping periodontal disease under control.