What most Phoenix dentists warn their patients about is periodontitis. The reason for this is that this dental condition is a very serious gum disease, infecting and damaging the soft tissue as well as the bones that support your teeth. Its negative effects include tooth loss, an increased chance of heart attack and all other serious medical conditions. However, while periodontitis is fairly common, it can be prevented.
Basically, this disorder is largely attributed to the inflammation or infection of gums, commonly known as gingivitis. When left unchecked and untreated, its effects spread to the ligaments and bones that support your teeth. Once the support is lost, the teeth will loosen and eventually come off. This may be uncommon among children and a bit risky among teenagers but is prevalent among adults.
If you are suffering from periodontitis, the most prominent symptom will be halitosis or, in layman’s term, bad breath. Basically, the early signs of this disease is similar to gingivitis wherein bright red or red-purple gums will be common indicators. If you are brushing gently and your gums bleed or are tender when touched, you might want to have your Phoenix dentists look into it, since these are also signs of periodontitis.
Dental specialists will examine your mouth and teeth, more especially the soft, swollen and red-purple gums. They will also inspect plaque and tartar deposits in your teeth’s base, as well as the inflamed pockets in the gums. In most cases, the gums will be painless or just a bit tender, unless an abscess has already accumulated. Gums could also be pulled back, which exposes the teeth’s base. The teeth themselves might be loose, too. Finally, dental x-rays will ascertain the bone loss and at the same time show the potential plaque deposits underneath the gums.
Now, once the disease is ascertained, periodontitis should be treated as soon as possible. The main objective for their methods is to reduce the swelling in order to remove the gum pockets and remedy all the underlying causes of this disease. Also, the teeth’s rough surface should be fixed, along with the dental appliances installed.
Lastly, in extreme cases, Phoenix dentists will recommend surgery. The reason for this is that gum pockets might be too deep, but should still be cleaned up by opening it. In the same manner, loose teeth should be supported as well. Ultimately, a tooth or a bunch of teeth might be extracted to curb the spread of the disease. This ensures that the problem is contained and treated over time.