Gum Disease, otherwise known as Periodontal Disease, is an infection that damages the soft tissue. It starts off as Gingivitis, during which you may notice some gum recession, tooth sensitivity, redness/swelling/bleeding when flossing and/or bad breath. It is very important that you see your hygienist regularly as they will check for these signs during regular cleanings to help reverse Gingivitis and prevent further damage. You can treat Gingivitis by following a strict oral care routine and possibly getting more frequent teeth cleanings.
If Gingivitis progresses, it turns into Periodontal Disease. You may require gum surgery to protect your teeth’s roots and reduce sensitivity. (5) However, if left untreated, eventually Periodontal Disease can escalate into Advanced or Terminal Periodontal Disease which can destroy the gums and bone that support your teeth. Not only can you lose your teeth and ability to chew, but “a 2013 article shared by the International Journal of Dentistry (through the U.S. National Library of Medicine/National Institutes of Health) Edentulism (losing all of one’s natural teeth) leads to” (2): a lower intake of healthy fruits and vegetables, higher risk of cardiovascular disease, GI issues and obesity, higher incidences of chronic inflammation changes to gastric lining, higher risk of heart disease, stroke, hypertension, as well as noninsulin-dependent diabetes, chronic kidney disease and sleep apnea. All of these issues result in decreased physical activity, in turn a lower quality of life. (2)
Dental implants are the perfect solution for broken or missing teeth due to Advanced Periodontal Disease. Not only can dental implants allow you to replace one, many or all of your teeth, but unlike dentures, they look and feel like normal teeth. Your dental implant surgeon can also help support bone regrowth with bone grafts to ensure stability for your dental implants. As long as they are well taken care of, dental implants can last up to 20 years. (3)
If you are interested in dental implant surgery, please call 888.257.4025 to set up a consultation with Dr. Young. He has several office locations he works out of throughout Southeast Michigan.
References:
- Best Dental Group: Dental Implants and Periodontal Disease. Available Online on 21 June 2021. Website: https://www.bestdental.org/dental-implants-and-periodontal-disease.html
- Claiborne, DDS MS. How A Denture Can Be Ruining Your Health. Posted on Aug 13, 2018. Available Online on 10 February 2020. Website: https://www.biltmoreperiodontics.com/denture-can-ruining-health/
- Dental Implants vs. Dentures. Oral-B. Available Online on 10 February 2020. Website: https://oralb.com/en-us/oral-health/life-stages/adults/implants-vs-dentures/
- Advanced Dental Implant Services. Why Dental Implants? Why Not Dentures? Available Online on 21 June 2021. Website: https://advanceddentalimplantservices.com/why-dental-implants-why-not-dentures/
- San Diego Periodontics & Implant Surgery. Today’s Best Treatment Options for Advanced Periodontal Disease. Available Online on 21 June 2021. Website: https://sdperio.com/advanced-periodontal-disease-treatment/
