Is Periodontics Worth It? A Periodontist Explains

You may be asking if periodontics is worth it, and the answer is, yes. Not only will periodontics help fight gum disease, but it can also save and restore your smile, allowing you to feel confident. Gum disease, if not treated, can cause bone loss, receding gums, tooth loss, painful and bleeding gums, or even serious infections such as heart disease or diabetes. The periodontal disease tends to occur progressively and as it develops and becomes more severe, treatment may be more painful and costly. The key in the treatment of periodontitis is to prevent gum disease and if it is present, have it identified early enough to help create a customized treatment plan.

Periodontal Disease Explained

Periodontal disease is a very serious infection that affects the gums. It is often caused by certain factors that can be controlled, for example, poor oral hygiene or lifestyle. There are also uncontrollable factors that may contribute to periodontal disease, for example, genetics and hormones.

Some signs of the mild or early form of gum disease are not very obvious. Therefore, you need to maintain excellent oral hygiene and make sure you visit our periodontist at least two times a year for dental examinations and cleanings. Signs of gum disease you should look out for are such as swollen gums, bleeding gums when flossing or brushing, red gums, deep pockets between the teeth and gums, loose teeth, and bad breath.

Is Periodontal Disease Reversible?

Our periodontist can determine if you have gum disease signs. Also, based on your flossing and brushing habits, the periodontist can tell if you are at an increased risk of having periodontitis. Nobody should lose their teeth if they can prevent gum disease. Periodontics works to prevent, diagnose, as well as treat periodontal disease.

While early stages and the effects of gum disease can be reversed, when the disease progresses to the advanced stage, the damage can be irreversible. Severe gum infection contributes to gum damage and bone loss, which may not be regeneratable without undergoing periodontal surgery. Although the advanced form of periodontal disease is irreversible, our periodontal team can control the disease with periodontics. Visit us immediately if you see any signs of gum disease. The earlier you seek treatment for gum disease, the higher the chances of reversing the damage and managing the disease.