Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a serious infection of the gum and supporting bone. When untreated, this infection can lead to damaged ligaments and the bone structure supporting your teeth. Despite being treatable, a leading cause of tooth loss for adults is advanced gum disease. When caught early, in either the gingivitis or mild periodontitis stages, gum disease can be treated using non-surgical means, including scaling and root planing. Patients who visit Gentle Dentistry in Tampa, Florida, trust their gums to Drs. Angela Rasmussen and Amanda Del Cueto, who provide gentle and effective gum disease treatment. However, when left untreated, gum disease can become much more severe, lead to deep damage to the gums and bone, and require osseous surgery as therapy.
The Signs of Gum Disease
Catching gum disease early is critical to effective treatment. Symptoms include:
- Gums that are swollen, red, and bleeding
- Loosened teeth
- A receding gumline
- Chronic bad taste in the mouth
- Chronic halitosis (bad breath)
Osseous Periodontal Therapy
When gum disease is allowed to progress, it can result in the loss of bone. Lost bone can then result in the formation of deep and uneven pockets which surround the teeth. Drs. Rasmussen and Del Cueto may suggest a form of treatment called osseous periodontal therapy when gum disease gets to this stage. This treatment can reduce the depths of these newly formed pockets, restoring the area to health. Osseous therapy is considered an advanced procedure only necessary for advanced periodontal disease.
When you undergo osseous periodontal therapy, the hardened calculus deposits surrounding your teeth and root surfaces will be removed. Because the bone plays a significant role in holding your teeth in place, a favorable foundation must be created by reshaping and smoothing the foundation bone, which has become diseased due to constant inflammation caused by bacteria and tartar deposits. Sutures may be required for proper healing. The goals of this treatment include:
- The removal of deep pocketing. Reduced pocket depths will allow you to brush and floss easier to retain good oral health
- Prevent bone loss brought on by the immune system’s response to chronic inflammation due to bacterial infection
- The reduction of bacteria and tartar in the mouth
Call Us Today!
Please visit our team at Gentle Dentistry in Tampa, Florida, to learn more about osseous periodontal therapy. To schedule a consultation, please call (813) 734-7102.
