Periodontal disease can be present and progress without any visible signs or symptoms
Which is why it is important to have regular examinations by your dentist or periodontist. Doctors C. Thaddeus and Jonathan Szymanowski have over forty years of combined experience and are committed to utilizing the latest technology to diagnose and treat periodontal disease. Their goal is to stop the progression of periodontal disease before it causes further damage to gum tissues and bone. An individualized treatment plan will be put in place to ensure the best of dental care, while also keeping in mind the importance of smile esthetics, largely through the use of dental implants.
The Three Stages of Gum Disease
If you are experiencing irritated gums when brushing, this could be one of the first signs of a periodontal infection. As leading periodontists in Sacramento, CA, Dr. Jonathan Szymanowski and Dr. C. Thaddeus Szymanowski can give you the proper treatment to prevent the infection from progressing. A periodontal infection has three stages that often exhibit gradually worsening symptoms. Following is a brief outline of the different stages and symptoms of periodontal disease:
The earliest stage of gum disease is referred to as gingivitis. This is the only stage that can be reversed. However, this does not mean that gingivitis can be ignored. Symptoms such as inflammation, bad breath, and irritated gums when brushing and flossing can easily worsen and create a fair amount of stress on the body. Seeking treatment early on is strongly advised in order to prevent permanent damage to your teeth and gums.
Periodontitis is an elevated form of gingivitis. This stage is often characterized by an increase in swelling and irritated gums when brushing and flossing. You may also notice your gums beginning to detach from the surfaces of your teeth and receding toward the roots. Periodontal pockets will also form and trap bacteria. At this point, the supporting bone and tissue structures can become damaged and immediate treatment will be necessary to prevent further bone or tooth loss.
This is the most severe and damaging stage of gum disease. In addition to extremely irritated gums when brushing and flossing, you may notice spontaneous bleeding and will have severe pocketing. The underlying bone and tissue have become permanently and severely damaged, causing your teeth to become loose and even move out of position. In order to prevent major tooth and bone loss, you will need to seek immediate aggressive treatment from a top periodontist.
It's important to seek treatment if you experience:
There are many nonsurgical and surgical treatments that the periodontist may recommend. These recommendations will be made after a comprehensive examination to evaluate the condition of the teeth, gums and jawbone. The goal of periodontal treatment is to stop the progression of periodontal disease before it causes further damage. Without treatment, it is likely that the periodontal disease will get progressively worse, and it could result in loss of the teeth.
Gum Disease is Linked to Serious Health Risks
Gum disease has been linked to an increased risk for many serious health complications, including:
- Heart Disease
- Premature Birth or Low Birth-Weight Babies
- Stroke
- Pancreatic Cancer
- Memory Loss or Dementia
- Diabetes
- Head and Neck Cancer
Gum disease can affect your oral health in several different ways. During the initial stages of infection, you will probably notice symptoms such as bad breath, swelling, and bleeding gums. As the disease progresses, your gum line can begin to recede and leave larger areas of the teeth visible. For some patients, this can be cosmetically displeasing. It can also make your teeth more sensitive to touch and hot or cold temperatures. During the later stages of infection, the tissue and bone structures that give your teeth support will become permanently damaged. Your teeth will likely begin to loosen and possibly fall out. At this point, it becomes absolutely necessary to contact Drs. Szymanowski about laser gum surgery available for Sacramento, CA patients in order to save your teeth and jaw bone.
Untreated gum disease can also have severe effects on your physical health. Experts have recently uncovered links between bacteria in the mouth and diseases such as pancreatic cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. Additionally, gum disease also creates a risk of premature delivery for pregnant women. If you are suffering from moderate to severe gum disease, laser gum surgery can be received at the office of Drs. Szymanowski in Sacramento, CA.
Untreated gum disease can also have severe effects on your physical health. Experts have recently uncovered links between bacteria in the mouth and diseases such as pancreatic cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. Additionally, gum disease also creates a risk of premature delivery for pregnant women. If you are suffering from moderate to severe gum disease, laser gum surgery can be received at the office of Drs. Szymanowski in Sacramento, CA.
Schedule Your Appointment
The key to preventing gum disease from affecting your life is to have it treated as early as possible. By keeping an eye out for early warning signs such as inflammation or bleeding while brushing and flossing, you can help preserve your oral and physical health. For more information about gum disease treatment, contact Drs. Szymanowski and schedule your consultation in Sacramento, CA today!