Gum disease isn't curable, but it's manageable with appropriate treatment. You can't cure it because once you lose structural support around your teeth, you don't usually get all of it back. However, periodontal treatment can reduce infection and rebuild your bone and tissue to some degree. Another factor is genetics.
They may experience receding gums, loosening teeth, or tooth loss when it progresses into severe periodontal disease. If you wonder if you can live with this disease, the answer is yes. In general, periodontal disease does not cause pain, which is one of the reasons it develops into a severe condition.
The Danger of Untreated Infected Teeth and Gums
If they are not treated, they can last for several months or years.
Most people do not begin to show signs, however, until they are in their 30s or 40s. It is also more common for certain demographics: Men (56.4%) vs. Women (38.4%)
It's never too late to seek treatment for gum disease, and the degree of treatment you require will depend on how advanced it is.
The onset of periodontal disease can often begin long before a person reaches retirement age. In the earlier stages, many patients in their 20s may not experience symptoms, which can lead to putting off treatment for gum disease, as well as complications in other areas, such as pregnancy.
Gum disease is an infection of the gum tissue; it isn't an infection of the teeth. Therefore, it is important to understand that removing your teeth will not actually treat or cure your gum disease. However, extractions can be an important part of your overall treatment plan to get your oral health back on track.
Gum disease is a very common condition where the gums become swollen, sore or infected.
Yes, depending on the severity of the gum disease, teeth affected by periodontal disease may be saved. Scaling, root planing, and antibiotic therapy can help reduce inflammation and slow the progress of periodontal disease. Surgery may sometimes be required to repair and restore the lost tissue and bone.
If not treated, these deep infections cause a loss of tissue and bone. Eventually you may lose one or more teeth.
Unless periodontitis is treated effectively, the bacteria that cause the condition can enter your bloodstream and spread elsewhere in your body. Those bacteria can contribute to the development of respiratory disease, coronary artery disease, difficulty regulating your blood sugar, and rheumatoid arthritis.
If caught early enough, this disease is usually reversible through regular brushing and flossing. However, advanced cases of gum disease can lead to permanent damage of the jawbone and even tooth loss.
The simple answer is no. You need healthy, strong gums to get a dental implant. Like we mentioned before, gum disease weakens and dissolves this tissue and bone. So even after you've treated the disease, your gum tissue and jawbone may not be strong enough to support an implant.
Many patients with periodontal disease or missing teeth will experience bone loss in their jaw as a result. In general, the process is gradual and you may not immediately notice that your jawbone is atrophying.
If you have mild gingivitis, it can take weeks or even months for it to turn into periodontitis. However, if you have severe gingivitis, it can progress into periodontitis in as little as a few days. This is why it is so important to see a dentist as soon as you notice any symptoms of gingivitis.
47.2% of adults aged 30 years and older have some form of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease increases with age, 70.1% of adults 65 years and older have periodontal disease.
Overview. Periodontal (gum) disease is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. It's typically caused by poor brushing and flossing habits that allow plaque—a sticky film of bacteria—to build up on the teeth and harden.
Advanced periodontitis is the fifth and final stage of gum disease, and it is likely that you will lose teeth or at least loosen teeth during this phase without immediate dental intervention. The infection impacts the jawbone, so teeth may be lost regardless.
Gum disease is a treatable infection, especially when caught in its early stages. If left to progress for a long time, the infection can still be treated but lasting damage may linger. You can experience gum recession, tooth loss, and jawbone shrinkage that alters the shape of your face.
The simple answer is, no. If your gums are damaged by, for example periodontitis, the most severe form of gum disease, it's not possible for receding gums to grow back. However, even though receding gums can't be reversed there are treatments that can help to stop the problem from getting worse.
Gum disease can become a lifelong concern if it develops, but you can still lessen and control its effects with regular dental health care and maintenance.
Gingivitis – Early Stage of Gum Disease
This stage only affects the soft tissue of the gums, and the patient may not experience any discomfort. Although the symptoms may be very mild, it is important to diagnose gum disease in this early stage before it progresses to periodontitis.
This stage of gum disease is usually painless, which is why many people may not even realize that they have it. However, if left untreated, it can progress to a more severe form of gum disease, known as periodontitis. This can result in tooth loss and other serious dental problems.
No matter the cause, your gum tissue may not be gone for good. Your periodontist can regenerate healthy tissue to preserve your natural smile, but only during the earliest stages of gum disease. Don't wait to schedule an appointment if you have signs of gum recession, such as: Bleeding after brushing or flossing.