Periodontal Disease & Treatment

Periodontal Screening and Treatment

Gum disease or periodontal disease is a chronic inflammation and infection of the gums and surrounding tissue. Periodontal disease is responsible for over 75% of all adult tooth loss in the United States.

Bacterial plaque is a sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on the teeth and it is recognized as the primary cause of gum disease. Specific periodontal diseases may be associated with specific bacterial types. If plaque is not removed each day by brushing and flossing it hardens into a rough, porous substance called calculus. Toxins produced and released by bacteria in plague irritate the gums. These toxins cause the break down of the fibers that hold the gums tightly to the teeth, creating periodontal pockets which fill with even more toxins and bacteria. If this disease continues to progress untreated, pockets all around the tooth extended deeper and the bacteria moves down until the bone that holds the tooth in place is destroyed and the tooth would eventually need to be extracted.

Southern Oregon Periodontics is devoted to educating our patients on the prevention of and halting the periodontal disease process.