Dentists sort Periodontal Disease (Gum Disease, Pyorrhea) into different stages called Gingivitis, Mild Periodontitis, Moderate Periodontitis, and Severe Periodontitis. The  Atlanta Dental Group PC offers gum treatment to patients who need this care. Gum Disease strikes over 80% of Americans over the age of 35. Diabetics have a higher incidence. An early sign is bleeding gums and if your gums bleed it is important that you see a dentist for evaluation to prevent further problems such as a periodontal abscess.

          At first the gums swell, inflame, and bleed. When the inflammation is limited to the gums it is called gingivitis. The swollen gum is due to bacteria that grow on your teeth. Sticky foods that attach to your teeth make things worse. If left untreated, this constant inflammation will eventually attack the bone surrounding your teeth. This is the beginning of periodontal disease and is called Early Periodontitis. It can progress to Moderate and Severe Periodontitis as more and more bone is destroyed surrounding the teeth and can cause a gum abscess or gum ball. Eventually you develop loose teeth and needless to say bad breath (halitosis) can be associated with any stage. Some patients have a metallic taste due to bleeding. A special type of periodontal problem is acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis.

           It is very important to treat periodontal disease when it first appears. Like all other diseases, the best prognosis for treatment is when its treated early. Initially a patient receives scaling and root planing. This eliminates the source of the dental infection and the inflamation. Then the patient is again evaluated to decide if more treatment is needed to correct the shape and form of the gum and bone tissues. If there is extra gum tissue, gum removal may be needed.

           Some patients with periodontal disease need periodontal surgery to correct the damage. Fortunately, many surgical procedures can replace bone and gums. However, it's not always possible but every case of tooth and gum disease must be evaluated individually. In addition to the treatment of gum disease, more and more patients today are choosing to have cosmetic gum surgery to improve the appearance of their gums rather than just having gum surgery to treat periodontal disease. Why not consider making a free dental consultation appointment with Atlanta Cosmetic Dentist, Dr. Mark Allan Padolsky? Call  404-874-7428.