Dentistry in Fort Mill and Charlotte
Minimally Invasive & Preventive Dentistry
Periodontal Disease
"Periodontal Disease" is a dental term for what is commonly called "gum disease." This is primarily caused by a bacterial infection of the space or "pocket" between the teeth and gums. Bacteria naturally live in our digestive tract and serve a vital role in the digestion of food. Unfortunately these same bacteria serve no useful purpose in our mouths and are free to colonate on our teeth and under the gum line. If we fail to remove this bacteria on a daily basis, the bacterial colony expands to form a sticky film called "plaque." This sticky film is easily removed by effective brushing and flossing.
(microscopic view of plaque)
However, if plaque is allowed to stay on the teeth for several days, the film becomes hardened with calcium and other minerals found in our saliva and food. This hardened mass is called "calculus" or more commonly "tartar." Tartar cannot be removed with flossing and brushing, and must be removed professionally by our hygienists.
Stages of Periodontal Disease
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is a dental term for bacterially inflamed gum tissue. It is the only completely "reversible" form of gum disease and is treated by a complete debridement (physical removal) of infected plaque from the teeth and under the gumline by our hygienists. Once the bacteria is removed, it is very important that the patient keep plaque off with effective brushing and flossing twice a day. Special mouth rinses may be prescribed, as well as floss aids and other daily cleansing systems.
Adult Periodontitis
This is a more advanced stage of gum disease and involves extension of the disease process into the bone around the teeth. Adult Periodontitis is detected by measuring the depth of gum and bone loss with a periodontal probe. Treatment of this disease often involves an initial phase of Scaling and Root Planning. Often the mouth is treated in quadrants (dividing the mouth in 4 sections) and much time and skill is involved in carefully removing under the gumline tartar (calculus) and plaque. Local anesthetic is often given for this procedure for your comfort. Once the infection is removed, the roots exposed by the disease are planed..or smooth with special instruments to facilitate re-attachment of the periodontal tissues.
Often, Adult Periodontitist may involve surgery to truly access the disease and assure effective debridement. Most cases can be treated in our office, however some more advanced cases require a specialist.
Advanced Periodontitis
As periodontitis advances, a significant amount of bone can be lost around the teeth. Teeth can become loose, and left untreated, tooth loss is inevitable. Most advanced cases require treatment by a specialist (Periodontist) where bone regenerative materials and techniques can be utilized and the teeth stabilized.
