FAQ » The Stages of Periodontal Disease

The Stages of Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is an infection of the teeth, gums and the bone that surround the teeth. If left untreated, it causes supporting bone to be lost around the teeth. Periodontal disease is the number one cause of tooth loss in the U.S. today. There a re three stages to periodontal disease, gingivitis, periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis.

Stage one - gingivitis

Gingivitis is the mildest, most reversible form of periodontal disease. It begins when plaque (a sticky, colorless film of food and bacteria) forms on your teeth. If the plaque is not removed each day by brushing and flossing, it begins to harden and forms tartar (calculus). Your body's reaction to the bacteria in plaque and tartar causes the typical signs of gingivitis - red and swollen gums .

Stage two - periodontitis

As the plaque and tartar works it's it way down below the gumline, the gums begin to separate away from the tooth forming a pocket. Once a pocket has formed, the process accelerates as new, even more destructive types of bacteria begin to populate the pocket. If the calculus isn't removed by dental professionals, your body responds to the infection by sending white blood cells (the body's natural defense) to the infected area. When these white blood cells reach your gums, they release enzymes to attackes to attackdÖû the infection. Unfortunately, a side effect of these enzymes is the loss of the normal gum attachment and bone loss (periodontitis).

Stage three - advanced periodontitis

Over time, if periodontitis continues unchecked, this bone loss continues. Eventually, so much bone is lost that some of the teeth begin to become loose. This is advanced periodontitis.

Prevention is the key

It's always best to diagnose and treat periodontal disease in it's early stages, before bone has been lost. Once bone is lost, it never grows back on it's own. Eliminating periodontal disease, once bone loss has begun, only becomes more and more diffi cult.

When you come to our office for regular cleanings and checkups, we'll use a peridontal probe and x-rays to check for pockets and bone loss. We have a wide array of treatments and procedures that remove the tartar and bacteria that cause periodontal di sease. We'll then give you new tools and techniques, and the feedback you need, to keep your gums and teeth healthy and pla