Periodontal Disease
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Smile Doctors
Cosmetic Dentistry & General Dentistry located in Kenosha, WI
Nearly half of American adults have periodontal disease today, and many of those men and women don’t get the treatment they need. When periodontal disease isn’t treated, it can lead to gum tissue loss, tooth loss, and even whole-body problems like heart disease. Fortunately, you can treat and prevent periodontal disease with help from Brian Danielewicz, DDS, and the Smile Doctors dental team in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Use the online appointment tool or call the office to schedule your visit now.
Periodontal Disease Q & A
What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is also called gum disease. It's an inflammatory disease that damages your gum tissue and even your jawbone and other parts of your body if left untreated.
There are several types of periodontal disease, including gingivitis, chronic periodontitis, aggressive periodontitis, and necrotizing periodontitis. You can also develop a form of periodontal disease that’s related to a systemic condition, such as diabetes.
What are the symptoms of periodontal disease?
Symptoms can vary based on how advanced your periodontal disease is.
Gingivitis
In the earliest form of periodontal disease, gingivitis, you may experience symptoms like bad breath, inflamed gums, or bleeding when you brush or floss.
Chronic periodontitis
If your periodontal disease progresses to chronic periodontitis, your gums may start receding. Teeth may feel loose, and all the symptoms of gingivitis are magnified.
Aggressive periodontitis
In aggressive periodontitis, your gums may recede rapidly, and bone loss intensifies. Teeth can grow quite loose, and the symptoms of chronic periodontitis are even worse than before.
Periodontitis from systemic conditions
If you suffer from a chronic disease like heart disease, diabetes, or some kinds of respiratory disease, you may develop symptoms that mimic aggressive periodontal disease. But, this condition is separate from aggressive periodontitis because you need treatment for the underlying condition first.
Necrotizing periodontitis
In necrotizing periodontitis, tissue and bone loss is quite rapid. This form of the disease is rare and most common in smokers, people with HIV, and patients with a suppressed immune system.
No matter what type of periodontal disease you’re facing, Dr. Danielewicz is here to help you stop or minimize its progression now.
How is periodontal disease treated?
Periodontal disease treatment starts with improved oral health care. Dr. Danielewicz may recommend a more extensive daily dental care routine, and you may need to use a microbial mouthwash daily.
For chronic and aggressive periodontitis, Dr. Danielewicz often recommends a deep cleaning called scaling and root planing to remove plaque and tartar from both above and below your gum line. You may also need prescription medication, depending on the situation.
For the rarer forms of periodontitis, Dr. Danielewicz treats them on a case-by-case basis. He can work with your medical doctor if needed, as other conditions often play a significant role in these forms of periodontitis.
Once your periodontal disease is fully resolved and you have good oral health again, Dr. Danielewicz can help you prevent future gum disease through office visits and improved oral healthcare.
Use the online scheduler or call the Smile Doctors office to arrange your appointment today.
