Cause & Treatment
The single largest cause of tooth loss in adults, periodontal (gum) disease, often results from excessive plaque buildup (bacterial film) leading to infection and inflammation of the gums, i.e. Gingivitis.
Up to 95% of adults have some form of Gingivitis, the most common form of gum disease.
Preventative care centers around good, daily oral hygiene, particularly flossing, which prevents plaque buildup. Symptoms of Gingivitis include red, swollen gums which bleed easily, but may not necessarily cause pain or discomfort.
If left untreated, Gingivitis can progress to Periodontitis, an advanced form of gum disease which often results in numerous, more serious oral health problems, including tooth loss, requiring far more advanced and often invasive treatment.
While most gum disease is caused by excessive plaque (bacteria) buildup followed by infection, other factors contributing to or causing periodontal (gum) disease may include:
- Genetics It is estimated up to 30% of people may be predisposed or susceptible to gum disease.
- Pregnancy, Menopause Women may be more susceptible to gum disease while pregnant or during menopause.
- Diabetes
- Grinding Your Teeth
- Stress
- Smoking & Tobacco Use
Regardless of the cause, determining the existence and severity ofperiodontal (gum) disease requires an examination by a dentist, including x-rays.
Treatment for the most common and early stages of gum disease are simple and generally require no invasive procedures. In most cases treatment for early stage gum disease can be accomplished in one follow up visit to the dentist, following an initial examination and diagnosis. For further information on the most common diagnosis and treatments for the various forms of gum disease refer to the Course of Treatment section below.
Common Symptoms
Some common symptoms of periodontal (gum) disease include:
- Blood on your gums after brushing or flossing.
- Swollen and tender gums.
- Gums darken and appear "more red" than usual.
- Pain when chewing.
- Gums "shrink away" i.e. recede from teeth.
It is particularly true with gum disease that early detection and treatment,i.e. periodontal therapy, can prevent far more serious, complicated and costly care later on.
Course of Treatment
The first step to care for this problem is to have an examination. Treatment of gum disease is almost always done in a follow up visit given the vast difference in time required to do the most common treatment, various type of cleanings. Advanced stage gum disease will likely require multiple visits.
If you feel you may have gum disease or wish to undertake a course of preventative care or treatment, both new and existing patients can avail themselves of Dr. Caputo’s "Special Offer" of $96 for a Comprehensive Examination and Consultation. The examination includes a series of five (5) x-rays, facial photographs, and an examination by and consultation with Dr. Caputo. See offer details.
Dr. Caputo and his staff are generally able to schedule appointments, whether an initial visit or follow up appointment, within a very short time.
The most common diagnosis and treatments for different stages ofGingivitis and Periodontitis follow.
- Gingivitis with no bone loss.
Treatment is a routine cleaning, generally forty-five minutes to one hour.
Recommended aftercare is an examination and cleaning every 3 to 6 months and good daily oral hygiene. - Gingivitis with minimal to no bone loss due to Periodontitis.
Conditions include heavier tarter and plaque buildup,
Treatment is a periodontal, "full mouth" cleaning, with debridement. This treatment requires more time than a normal cleaning, and is generally done in a separate visit, without other procedures.Recommended aftercare is an examination and cleaning every 3 to 6 months and good daily oral hygiene.
- Mild to moderate Periodontitis w/ mild to moderate bone loss.
Conditions/symptoms are heavier to severe tartar and plaque buildup, and possible loosening and/or movement of teeth, and in some instances discharge from infection.Generally treatment consists of a series of deep cleanings, often referred to as "root plane and curettage", with local anesthesia, which can be done with sedation if the patient desires. In more advanced cases a concentrated local antibiotic (not a systemic antibiotic) may be used.
Recommended aftercare is an examination and cleaning every 3 months for one year and good daily oral hygiene.
- Brush and floss daily.
- Have a dental exam and cleaning twice a year.
- If symptoms occur, gums that are red, swollen or bleeding, seek care immediately to prevent the onset of more serious complications.
Please see Dr. Caputo’s schedule of fees for the most often used gum disease treatments.
While the treatments described above are sufficient to treat most instances of gum disease, when left untreated, and if other health issues exist, severe complications from gum disease can result.
While there are too many forms of advanced gum disease to discuss in this forum, the result can be destruction of both tooth and gum tissue in affected areas. In these instances reconstruction is required to remedy the situation.
As stated earlier it is true with gum disease that early detection and treatment are particularly important in preventing often avoidable, extensive dental care.
Aftercare and Preventative Care
The most effective forms of gum disease prevention and follow up care can be accomplished by doing the following.
Personal Care Plan
You may wish to discuss with Dr. Caputo a personal care plan, taking into account your priorities regarding other oral health needs. Discussing a personal care plan with Dr. Caputo, while not required, is an opportunity to discuss your overall oral health, personal concerns and desires in this regard, and to address your needs and wants.
