Dental Consequences of Periodontal Disease You have most likely heard or seen a commercial about periodontal disease. There are a couple of reasons this condition gets so much attention. One, it is easily prevented with good oral hygiene and regular professional cleanings. Two, it can result in serious and long-lasting oral health consequences for you if it is left untreated.This is why our professionals at Willamette Valley Periodontics offer many forms of periodontal care. During these visits, our team not only treats your teeth but also strives to educate you on the effects of gum disease and what you can do to protect yourself from it. Understanding the repercussions of these common chronic conditions goes a long way in helping you to achieve a lifetime of good oral health. InflammationPeriodontal disease, or gum disease, is a bacterial infection. Like any infection, one of the first things it does to your body is cause inflammation. This inflammation will manifest itself in several ways. The most obvious is that your gums can become visibly puffy or swollen. However, small amounts of inflammation may not be so easy to see but may be presented in other ways. Swollen gums can become tender to the touch or can even begin to bleed when you are brushing and flossing. Fortunately, these consequences occur early on in the development of gum disease and are reversible. Receding GumsIf your gum disease is left unchecked, your gums will remain swollen for long periods. This inflammation and infection will ultimately damage your gum tissue. While a certain amount of gum damage can heal on its own, the damage will become permanent eventually. This loss of gum tissue is known as receding gums. A receding gum line will mean that more of your teeth are exposed and visible, creating an unhealthy and unsightly "long" appearance when you smile or speak. Receding gums also make your teeth more susceptible to decay because the roots are not as well protected. Tooth LossOne of the final consequences of gum disease is tooth loss. Severe gum disease causes so much damage to your gums and the supporting structures of your jawbone that your teeth will ultimately fall out. Tooth loss will require restorative measures, such as dental implants. Bone Density LossBone loss is another serious consequence of gum disease. Some bone loss begins occurring before you lose teeth, but the rate of loss is rapidly increased after teeth begin to fall out. Your jawbone will be resorbed after a tooth is prematurely lost. You will lose roughly 25% of your bone density in only 12 months and will lose up to 50% of this density over the 36 months following the loss of a tooth. Correcting bone loss will require a bone graft. A bone graft is a straight-forward procedure that involves the placement of bone fragments onto your jaw in order to strengthen and rebuild it. Our professionals at Willamette Valley Periodontics can help you achieve a healthier mouth no matter how severe your gum disease. However, prevention is always the best option and the sooner you begin receiving treatment, the better and less costly your outcomes. You can get started on your path to a healthier mouth by calling us at to schedule your appointment. |
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