Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a serious progressive inflammatory disorder and is a leading cause of tooth loss amongst adults in the U.S. and worldwide. Periodontal disease affects the gum and the bone supporting around the teeth. It occurs when the bacteria in the plaque (the sticky
colorless biofilm that constantly forms on your teeth) and their toxins cause the gum to become irritated and inflamed. This first stage of the resulting bacterial infection is known as gingivitis. If left untreated, it can lead to bone loss, loose teeth, and tooth loss. 

There are many types and stages of periodontal disease including chronic, aggressive, necrotizing periodontitis and periodontitis associated with systemic diseases (coronary heart disease, diabetes, smoking, etc…). 

It is important to note that periodontal disease can progress without any signs or symptoms such as
pain. Therefore, it is critical to have regular dental/periodontal checkups. Some of the most common
signs and symptoms of periodontal disease are:
- Redness or Swelling of the Gums
- Bleeding Gums
- Bad Breath
- Longer-Looking Teeth or Gum Recession
- Loose Teeth or Flaring Teeth
- Teeth Become Uneven
- Pus or Pus Oozing from the Gums
- Abscess

What are gum disease risk factors?

The main cause of gum disease is plaque, but other factors can affect the health of your gums.
- Age
- Genetics
- Smoking/Tobacco Use
- Stress
- Medications
- Clenching or Grinding Your Teeth
- Mal-aligned Teeth / Crowded Teeth
- Systemic Diseases (Cardiovascular Disease, Diabetes, Osteoporosis, Rheumatoid Arthritis,…)

Gum diseases are treated depending on the type and the stage of the disease.

Phase I – Non-surgical Therapy

1. The initial step in treating gum disease is Oral Hygiene Instructions with proper brushing and
flossing or other methods to control plaque which is the main cause of gum disease.

2. Prophylaxis (Regular cleaning) or Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning)- Deep cleaning is
normally performed with local anesthesia for your comfort. It is done with special instruments
that go underneath the gums to remove the biofilm layer, the calculus (tartar), the infected
layer of root surface. It is not a surgery.

3. Re-evaluation- after 4-6 weeks of scaling and root planing, a complete periodontal exam is
performed. The initial therapy and home care plaque control (Phase I) is re-evaluated.
Recommendations for timely maintenance or further treatment will be discussed.

Phase II- Surgical Phase

The goal of any surgery is to treat diseases and to improve your health. Periodontal surgery is no
exception. In moderate to severe cases, periodontal surgery is probably needed to achieve the clean
and healthy environment around the teeth so that they can be maintained and retained rather than lost.
There are many types of periodontal surgery with various reasons you may need them.

- Gingivectomy
- Osseous Surgery
- Flap Surgery
- Guided Tissue and Bone Regeneration
- Plastic Periodontal Surgery
- Gum/Soft Tissue Grafting
- Crown Lengthening
- Bone Grafting
- Ridge Augmentation
- Ridge Preservation