Gary Conover DDS

2939
North Rock Road
Suite 110
Wichita, Ks.

(316)
636-2939

Frequently Asked Questions & Emergencies

What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues that support your teeth.

Your gum tissue is not attached to the teeth as high as it may seem — there is a very shallow v-shaped crevice called a sulcus between the tooth and gums.

Periodontal diseases attack just below the gum line in the sulcus, where they cause the attachment of the tooth and its supporting tissues to break down. As the tissues are damaged, the sulcus develops into a pocket. Generally, the more severe the disease, the greater the depth of the pocket.

What causes periodontal diseases?

The sticky film that constantly forms on your teeth is called plaque, and is made mostly of bacteria. Some of these bacteria produce byproducts (called toxins or enzymes) that can irritate the tissues that support your teeth. These byproducts can damage the attachment of the gums, periodontal ligament, and bone to your teeth.

You can remove plaque with good oral hygiene, including brushing your teeth twice a day and cleaning between them once a day with floss or another interdental cleaner. When plaque is not removed through good oral hygiene, it builds up along the gum line and increases your risk of developing periodontal disease.

Plaque that is not removed regularly can harden into a rough porous deposit called calculus, or tartar. Tartar itself does not seem to cause disease, but it may make it more difficult for you to remove plaque, so it should be removed regularly. Tartar can only be removed when your teeth are professionally cleaned in the dental office.

Do some factors increase the risk of developing periodontal diseases?

Yes, some factors can increase the risk of developing periodontal diseases. If one or more of the following apply to you, it is especially important that you practice good oral hygiene and follow your dentist's advice to maintain healthy teeth and gums.

People who smoke or chew tobacco are more likely to have periodontal disease, and it's more likely to be more severe than in those who do not use any tobacco products.
Some systemic diseases, such as diabetes, can lower your body's resistance to infection, making periodontal diseases more severe.
Many medications, such as steroids, some types of anti-epilepsy drugs, cancer therapy drugs, some calcium channel blockers, and oral contraceptives can affect the gums. In addition, medications that reduce your salivary flow can result in a chronically dry mouth, which can irritate your oral soft tissues. Let your dentist know about your medications and update your medical history files at the dental office when any changes occur.
Bridges that no longer fit properly, crooked teeth, or fillings that have become defective can contribute to plaque retention and increase your risk of developing periodontal disease.
Pregnancy or use of oral contraceptives increases hormone levels that can cause gum tissue to be more sensitive to the toxins and enzymes produced by plaque, and can accelerate growth of some bacteria. The gums are more likely to become red, tender and swollen, and bleed easily.

How would I know if I had periodontal disease?

It is possible to have periodontal disease and have no warning signs. That is one reason why regular dental checkups and periodontal examinations are very important. However, several warning signs can signal that you have a problem with periodontal disease. If you notice any of the following, see your dentist:

Gums that bleed easily
Red, swollen, or tender gums
Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
Pus between the teeth when the gums are pressed
Persistent bad breath or bad taste
Permanent teeth that are loose or separating
Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
Any change in the fit of partial dentures

Types of Periodontal Diseases

Periodontal diseases are classified according to the severity of the disease. The two major stages of the disease are gingivitis and periodontitis.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is a milder and reversible form of periodontal disease that only affects the gums. It develops as toxins in plaque irritate gums, making them red, tender, swollen, and likely to bleed easily. It can usually be eliminated by daily brushing, cleaning between your teeth, and regular dental cleanings.

Periodontitis

Gingivitis may lead to more serious, destructive forms of periodontal disease, called periodontitis. There are several forms of periodontitis, with the most common being chronic adult periodontitis.

Periodontitis occurs when toxins, enzymes and other plaque byproducts destroy the tissues that anchor teeth into the bone. The gum line recedes, which can expose the tooth's root. Exposed roots can become susceptible to decay and sensitive to cold and touch.

As we mentioned earlier, the sulcus deepens into a pocket in the early stage of periodontal disease. Plaque that collects in these pockets can be difficult to remove during regular brushing and interdental cleaning. Byproducts from the plaque that collect in these pockets can continue to damage the gums, periodontal ligament and bone. In some cases, so much ligament and bone are destroyed that the tooth becomes loose. Usually, your dentist can still treat the disease at this point. In the worst of cases, a loose tooth may need to be extracted or may fall out on its own.

How can I prevent periodontal diseases?

Daily good oral hygiene can help reduce your risk of developing periodontal diseases. Brush your teeth twice a day. With proper brushing, you can remove plaque from the inner, outer and chewing surfaces of each tooth. Your dentist or dental hygienist can show you a proper brushing technique.

Using a fluoride-containing toothpaste will also help protect your teeth against cavities.

Carefully clean between your teeth once a day with dental floss or another interdental cleaner to remove plaque from areas your toothbrush can't reach. It only takes a few minutes each day and is just as important in maintaining oral health as brushing your teeth.

If you need extra help controlling gingivitis and plaque that forms above the gum line, your dentist may recommend using an ADA-accepted antimicrobial mouth rinse or other oral hygiene aids as an effective addition to your daily oral hygiene routine. When choosing dental care products, look for those that display the American Dental Association's Seal of Acceptance — your assurance that they have met ADA standards of safety and effectiveness.

Eat a balanced diet for good general health.

Visit your dentist regularly.

How are periodontal diseases treated?

Treatment methods depend upon the type of disease and how far the condition has progressed.

The first step is usually a thorough cleaning that includes scaling to remove plaque and tartar deposits. The tooth roots also may be planed to smooth the root surface, allowing the gum tissue to heal and reattach to the tooth. In some cases, the occlusion, or bite, may require adjustment.

Your dentist also may recommend medications to help control infection and pain, or to encourage healing. These medications can be given in various forms: a pill that you would swallow, a liquid mouth rinse, or in a form that the dentist could place directly in the periodontal pocket after scaling and root planning.

Is surgery sometimes needed?

When deep pockets between teeth and gums (4 to 6 millimeters or deeper) are present, it is difficult for the dentist to thoroughly remove the plaque and tartar. Likewise, you may have trouble keeping these pockets clean and free of plaque.

If the pockets do not heal after scaling and root planing, periodontal surgery may be needed. One of the goals of periodontal surgery is to reduce the depth of the periodontal pockets to make them easier to keep clean. With surgery, the dentist can access hard-to-reach areas that require the removal of tartar and plaque. The tooth root is cleaned and smoothed. Sometimes, the bone around the tooth is also smoothed to help removed these pockets. The gums are then sutured back into place, or into a new position that will be easier to keep clean at home.

Bone surgery may be used to rebuild or reshape bone that has been destroyed. Grafts of the patient's bone or artificial bone may be used, as well as special membranes. The dentist may use splints, bite guards, or other applications to stabilize loose teeth, and to aid the regeneration of tissue during healing. If excessive gum tissue has been lost from the tooth rot (gum recession), a gum graft may be performed. After surgery, the dentist may apply a protective dressing over teeth and gums. An antibiotic and mild pain reliever may be prescribed.