Periodontal Treatment
Periodontal Disease Mississauga
The word periodontal means “around the tooth.” Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection caused by accumulation of dental plaque on the teeth. It is a disease that affects the gums and supporting structures of the teeth.
Four out of five people have periodontal disease and don’t even know it! This is because most people don’t usually show signs of gum disease in the early stages.
Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss. Periodontal disease has been linked with other diseases in the body, such as: stroke, bacterial pneumonia, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and increased risk during pregnancy. More research is needed to determine a definition association between these diseases. In addition, tobacco users raise the risk of periodontal disease.
Preventing dental disease starts at home with good oral hygiene and a balanced diet. Prevention also includes regular visits to the dentist.
Warning signs of periodontal disease:
- Gums that bleed easily, especially during brushing or flossing
- Loose or separating teeth
- Bad breath
- Pus between the teeth and gums
- Receding gums or no longer appearing teeth
- Red, swollen or tender gums
- Sensitive teeth
Cleanings & Prevention Procedures Mississauga
Diagnosis
An oral exam performed by your dentist or dental hygienist will determine if you have periodontal disease (part of your regular checkup).
Using a small dental instrument called the periodontal probe, your dentist will measure the sulcus (pocket depths around the tooth) to determine that state of health of the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth. Depth markings are inscribed on the head of the probe, and a healthy sulcus measures around 3 mm. Likewise, it does not bleed. Pocket depths of more than 3mm indicate periodontal disease, as the sulcus usually gets deeper with the progression of the disease.
There are several categories of periodontal disease. Diagnosis is arrived at by measuring pocket depths, tooth mobility, as well as the amount of bleeding and level of inflammation.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the first stage of periodontal disease. In gingivitis, the gums become red, swollen and can bleed easily. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that can usually be reversed with daily brushing and flossing, and dental scaling.
Periodontitis
If gingivitis is not treated, it can advance to Periodontitis (inflammation around the tooth). In Periodontitis, the bacterial infection of the gums causes the breakdown of the gum tissue so that it begins to pull away from the teeth and recede along the root surface, exposing the root. When the gums recede, deeper pockets form between them and the teeth and these pockets can collect pus and bacteria that will irritate or inflame the gums. This will cause the gums to bleed easily and there could also be slight to moderate bone loss.
Advanced Periodontitis
Advanced periodontitis is the final stage of gum disease. As the gums, bone and periodontal ligament are continually destroyed by the progression of periodontal disease, teeth will lose support and this can eventually lead to tooth loss. There could also be moderate to severe bone loss in advanced periodontitis.
Periodontal Disease Treatment
If you’ve been diagnosed with periodontal disease, there are a variety of treatment options depending on the details of your situation and the severity of the problem. When the disease has progressed, we may recommend a surgical approach of treatment.
Periodontal disease progresses when the pockets between the teeth and gums accumulate plaque, tartar and bacteria. This will eventually irritate the surrounding tissues and cause damage to the gums (and even the bone that supports your teeth).
Periodontal disease caught in the initial stages of gingivitis usually results to no damage. One to two regular dental cleanings should be able to address the problem. Your dentist will also make recommendations on how to improve your daily oral care practices and have you come back for regular cleanings.
Periodontal disease in the more advanced stages will require scaling and root planning (deep cleaning), a special type of periodontal cleaning that involves one quadrant of the mouth at a time. A local anesthesia may be administered to keep the area numb during the procedure. Tartar, plaque and toxins that have built up above and below your gum line will be removed via scaling while rough sections on root surfaces are smoothened out by root planning. This specialized type of cleaning helps shrink the pockets and heal the gums. Your dentist will prescribe a mouth rinse and some other medications, and will often recommend the use of an electric toothbrush to speed up healing and control possible infection.
In some cases, pockets do not heal after the procedure and periodontal surgery may be required to reduce the depth of these pockets so teeth are easier to clean. Most dentists will recommend that you visit a periodontist for more serious gum issues. A periodontist is a gum and supporting bone specialist.
Maintenance
Did you know it only takes twenty-four hours for plaque that is not removed from your teeth to turn into calculus (tartar)Brushing and flossing helps control plaque and tartar formation, but those hard to reach areas will always need special attention.
Your dentist and dental hygienist will advise regular maintenance cleanings (periodontal cleanings) every 6 months. They will check that the pocket depths between the teeth and gums are healthy; and will remove any plaque and calculus from above and below your gum line.
A part from periodontal evaluation and cleaning, your regular dental appointments will normally include:
- An examination of diagnostic x-rays (radiographs) to detect any decay, tumors, cysts, and possible signs of bone loss. Tooth and root positions are also assessed with the help of x-rays.
- An examination of tooth restorations by checking on current fillings, crowns, etc.
- An examination to check signs for tooth decay.
- Recommendations for proper oral care and hygiene (which involve the use of oral hygiene aids such as electric or special periodontal toothbrushes, fluorides, medicated mouth rinses).
- Teeth polishing to remove plaque and stains not otherwise removed by brushing or scaling.
Always remember that prevention is far more effective than treatment. Early stages of gum disease such as gingivitis are reversible with a thorough dental cleaning and good daily home care.
MTooth Whitening Mississauga
Tooth whitening (or bleaching) is one of the simplest, non-invasive procedures and also one of the most effective ways to brighten your smile.
There are a range of dental whitening procedures and which one is suitable for you will depend on your situation. The most popular method is using a home tooth whitening system that allows you to dramatically whiten teeth in the comfort of your own home, over a 2-week period.
One of the best options available is the professional, in-office teeth whitening. This is a one-day bleaching session that allows patients to leave the office with whiter, brighter smile – up to several shades lighter!
Bleaching works by breaking up the stains from within the teeth, hence returning the teeth to their original shade. Since tooth whitening only works on natural tooth enamel, your dentist will evaluate the replacement of any old fillings and crowns. Replacement of any restorations will be done after bleaching so they will match your newly whitened smile.
Whitening is not a permanent solution. And to keep up with smoking or drinking a lot of coffee, you may need a touch up whitening every year.
Reasons to consider tooth whitening:
- Fluorosis (excessive fluoridation during tooth development)
- Normal wear of outer tooth layer
- Stained teeth due to medications (tetracycline, etc.)
- Yellow, brown stained teeth
Tooth Whitening – What to Expect
Getting your teeth whitened in our office generally takes two visits. This type of tooth whitening usually requires two visits. At the first appointment, impressions (molds) will be made of your teeth to create a custom-fitted tray.
At your second appointment, you will try on the trays for proper fit, and adjustments will be made if necessary. The trays are worn with special whitening solution either twice a day for 30 (or overnight) depending on how stained and discolored your teeth are.
It’s common to experience tooth sensitivity during the time you are whitening your teeth, but it will go away after your treatment is complete.
After you have your teeth whitened, be sure to follow the after-care instructions provided. It is recommended that visit your dentist regularly to help maintain your beautiful, white smile.
In-office bleaching normally takes 1-hour appointment, and consist of 1-3 sessions (more if needed) of bleaching using an ultraviolet light. This type of bleaching can also be followed by take home trays to achieve the desired level of whitening.
Why Choose Us
Family and children-oriented dentistry
New state of the art clinic
Welcoming and comfortable environment for patients
Accepting new patients
Bill direct to insurance
Open evenings and weekends
Experienced group of dental professionals