Dentist in Johnson City, TN | Johnson & O'Dell, DDS

PERIODONTAL DISEASE


Periodontal disease is diagnosed by our dentists or dental hygienists during your exam.  This type of exam should always be part of your regular dental check-up.

A periodontal probe is gently used to measure the space between the tooth and the gums.  The depth of a healthy pocket measures three millimeters or less and does not bleed.  The periodontal probe helps indicate if pockets are deeper than three millimeters.  As periodontal disease progresses, the pockets usually get deeper.

Your dentist or hygienist will use pocket depths, amount of bleeding, inflammation, tooth mobility, etc., to make a diagnosis that will fall into a category below:

Periodontal disease is diagnosed by our dentists or dental hygienists during your exam. - Dentist in Johnson City, TN | Johnson & O'Dell, DDS

Gingivitis is the first stage of periodontal disease.  Plaque and its toxin by-products irritate the gums, making them tender, inflamed, and likely to bleed.

Plaque hardens into tartar.  As plaque continue to build up, the gums begin to recede from the teeth.  Deeper pockets form between the gums and teeth and become filled with bacteria and pus.  The gums become very irritated, inflamed, and bleed easily.  Slight to moderate bone loss may be present.

The teeth lose more support as the gums, bone, and periodontal ligament continue to be destroyed.  Unless treated, the affected teeth will become very loose and may be lost.  Generalized moderate to severe bone loss may be present.

Periodontal treatment methods depend upon the type and severity of the disease.  Our dentists and dental hygienists at Johnson & O’Dell will evaluate for periodontal disease and recommend the appropriate treatment.

Periodontal disease progresses as the pocket between the tooth and gums gets filled with bacteria, plaque, and tartar, causing irritation to the surrounding tissues.  When these irritants remain in the pocket space, they can cause damage to the gums and eventually, the bone that supports the teeth!

If the disease is caught in the early stages of gingivitis, and no damage has been done, one to two regular cleanings will be recommended.  You will also be given instructions on improving your daily oral hygiene habits and having regular dental cleanings.

If the disease has progressed to more advanced stages, a special periodontal cleaning called scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) will be recommended.  It is usually done one quadrant of the mouth at a time while the area is numb.  In this procedure, tartar, plaque, and toxins are removed from above and below the gum line and rough spots on root surfaces are made smooth.  This procedure helps gum tissue to heal and pockets to shrink.  Medications, special medicated mouth rinses, and an electric tooth brush may be recommended to help control infection and healing.

If the pockets do not heal after this procedure, periodontal surgery may be needed to reduce pocket depths, making teeth easier to clean.  Our dentists may also recommend that you see a Periodontist (specialist of the gums and supporting bone).