When should you seek treatment with a periodontist? Understanding the warning signs of issues like periodontal disease means you can lower your risk of discomfort and tooth loss. In today’s blog, your Encinitas/San Diego, CA, periodontist talks about recognizing the symptoms of periodontal disease.

The Causes of Gum Disease

First, let’s talk about how gum disease actually forms. The issue starts when the gums become inflamed, developing gingivitis. Without treatment, the inflammation increases in severity until tissues pull away from the teeth to form pockets. When disease-causing bacteria enter these pockets, this means the onset of periodontal disease. While the inflammation can be reversed, the disease cannot, and care is needed to manage it and prevent complications like tooth loss. Underlying factors could include poor brushing and flossing habits, a diet high in sera and starch, and infrequent visits for professional cleanings, all factors that allow plaque and tartar buildup to grow in severity and inflame the gum tissues. Other factors include a family history of periodontal issues, tobacco use, inflammatory illnesses, and the use of certain medications.

The Common Warning Signs

For many, warning signs will include tissues that feel sore or redder than usual. Bleeding could occur when you brush or floss. As the issue grows in severity, the tissues could begin to recede from the teeth, making them appear long or uneven. When you begin to experience warning signs such as these, then contact our team to schedule an examination. With digital x-rays and intraoral camera technology, we can make a diagnosis with precision and accuracy so we can assess the risk to your smile and understand what treatments may be needed to manage the disease and address issues like receding gums.

The First Stages of Treatment

If we catch the disease in the early stages, then our team will often use preventive and holistic options to manage it, such as a deep cleaning, supportive periodontal maintenance, or even ozone therapy. For more severe cases, our team could employ dental lasers to remove diseased tissues from the smile so healthy ones can reattach to the teeth. We also offer the Pinhole Surgical Technique, to offer an alternative to gum grafting to cover the exposed portions of your tooth roots, improving the symmetry and shape of the gum line. If you have any questions about how we will diagnose and treat your potential issues, then please reach out to our team today to learn more.

Talk to Dr. Kania About Receiving a Diagnosis

Knowing when to see us means you can take action to keep your smile whole, so you can continue to smile with confidence. To learn more about the causes and common indicators of periodontal disease, or to schedule your appointment, give us a call at our office in Encinitas, CA today at 760-642-0711.