Understanding Periodontal (Gum) Disease

Periodontal disease—also known as gum disease or periodontitis—is a common inflammatory condition that affects the soft tissues and bone supporting your teeth. In its early stages, it targets the gums, and if left untreated, it can advance to the jawbone, leading to loose teeth, shifting teeth, and eventual tooth loss.

Gum disease typically begins with gingivitis, a bacterial infection caused by plaque buildup along the gumline. When plaque toxins irritate the gums, they cause inflammation. If the infection spreads below the gumline into the pockets around the teeth, it becomes much harder to treat and can progressively destroy the connective tissue and bone that hold your teeth in place.

Periodontal disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss and should always be diagnosed and treated early.

Types of Periodontal Disease

If gingivitis is not treated, it can develop into more serious forms of periodontitis. Here are the most common types:

• Chronic Periodontitis:
  The most common form, causing deep pockets and gum recession. It leads to gradual bone and tissue loss and periods of rapid progression.

• Aggressive Periodontitis:
  Rapid bone and tissue destruction, often occurring in otherwise healthy individuals, and sometimes showing family patterns.

• Necrotizing Periodontitis:
  A severe infection often seen in individuals with systemic conditions like HIV, malnutrition, or immune suppression, involving tissue death in the gums and bone.

• Periodontitis Associated with Systemic Disease:
  This form often begins early in life and is linked to systemic health issues such as diabetes, respiratory disease, or heart disease.

Treatment for Periodontal Disease

At Calleros Dental, Dr. Calleros, Dr. Castillo, and our skilled hygiene team customize treatment based on the condition of your teeth, gums, and bone. After a full periodontal evaluation, we may recommend one or more of the following:

• Non-Surgical Therapy with Laser-Assisted Treatment:
  We remove bacteria and calculus (tartar) from below the gumline and use laser therapy along with antimicrobial irrigation to reduce infection and support healing. We also use Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) in conjunction for treatment.

• Tissue Regeneration:
  In cases where bone and gum tissue have been lost, we may refer patients out for this or use grafting techniques and membranes to encourage natural regrowth.

• Pocket Elimination Surgery (Flap Surgery):
  To reduce deep pockets between teeth and gums, improving access for cleaning and reducing areas where bacteria thrive. We may also refer you to a periodontist.

• Dental Implants:
  If tooth loss has occurred, implants can restore both the function and appearance of your smile. In some cases, bone grafting may be needed before implant placement.

Early Detection Matters

If you have any questions about periodontal disease, gum health, or available treatments, don't hesitate to ask Dr. Calleros, Dr. Castillo, or your dental hygienist. Early intervention is key to preserving your smile and protecting your overall health.

Diagnosing Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is diagnosed by our doctors and your dental hygienist during a periodontal exam—an important part of every regular check-up.

Using a small instrument called a periodontal probe, we gently measure the space (sulcus) between your teeth and gums. Healthy pockets are 3 millimeters deep or less and don't bleed. Deeper pockets or bleeding are signs of gum disease.

Diagnosis is based on pocket depth, bleeding, inflammation, and tooth mobility, and typically falls into one of these categories:

• Gingivitis:
  Early stage gum disease caused by plaque buildup, leading to tender, inflamed gums that bleed easily.

• Periodontitis:
  Plaque hardens into tartar, causing gum recession, deeper pockets, infection, and slight to moderate bone loss.

• Advanced Periodontitis:
  Severe damage to gums, bone, and ligaments. Teeth lose support, become loose, and may eventually be lost if untreated.

  Laser Assisted Periodontal Therapy

  Calleros Dental is proud to be one of the only offices in the South Bay to offer Laser Assisted Periodontal Therapy.  This groundbreaking technique is highly effective in the treatment of periodontal disease.
  
  Gum disease, technically known as periodontal disease, is a chronic, degenerative condition that, according to a Center for Disease Control Fact Sheet, affects “most” Americans. Left untreated, gum disease can escalate to cause tooth loss, and it has been linked to heart disease, stroke, and complications for diabetics and pregnant women. Severe periodontal disease can leave behind destruction that must be removed before healing can begin. If your gums have been virtually destroyed by periodontal disease, our laser can quickly remove damaged tissue, and your body will naturally regenerate healthy tissue.
  
  Laser Assisted Periodontal Therapy results in virtually no recovery period because it’s minimally invasive. Laser Assisted Periodontal therapy has never been easier, cleaner, quicker, or more convenient and effective. In addition to alleviating damaged gum tissue, the laser can re-contour gums for crown placement or aesthetics. Other soft tissue procedures, as well as hard tissue procedures are possible with this innovative tool.

  For more information on our laser and how it can enhance your dental care, call or email us with your questions. We look forward to celebrating your healthy smile!