Periodontal

Periodontal disease is an infection that attacks the tissue and bone structure that supports your teeth. The sulcus is a shallow u-shaped crevice located between the tooth and gums. Gum disease attacks just below the gum line in the sulcus where the supporting tissue and attachments of the tooth begin to breakdown. As the supporting tissues are damaged by the infection, the sulcus begins to develop a pocket. The depth and magnitude of the pocket depend on the severity and advancement of the periodontal disease. Periodontal classifications are determined by the severity of the disease. The two major stages of gum disease are gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is a milder form of periodontal disease that only affects the gums. Gingivitis may lead to more serious, destructive forms of periodontal disease called periodontitis. Treatment methods of periodontal disease depend on the severity and extent of its progress.
Some risk factors that can increase the likelihood of developing periodontal disease:

• All forms of tobacco use
• Systemic diseases such as diabetes.
• Some types of medication such as steroids, some types of anti-epilepsy drugs, cancer therapy drugs, some calcium channel blockers and oral contraceptives.
• Poor fitting bridges.
• Crooked teeth.
• Defective fillings.
• Pregnancy.

The following locations provide Periodontal procedures...
(Note: All of our Dental Health locations provide the full range of general dentistry procedures.)