Did you know that the emerald ash borer beetle can silently destroy a majestic ash tree from the inside out? This small insect lays its eggs beneath the bark, and as the larvae hatch, they begin to eat away at the tree’s vascular system—the vital tissue that transports water and nutrients. Slowly but surely, the ash tree starts to decline, eventually succumbing to its fate as the layers that keep it alive are devoured. It’s a process that, at first glance, seems harmless, but its effects are devastating over time. In many ways, periodontal disease acts similarly—slowly and silently attacking the foundations of your oral health before you even realize what’s happening.
Like the emerald ash borer, bacteria in plaque infiltrate below the gumline, targeting the roots of our teeth. Without treatment, they quietly damage the structures that keep our teeth anchored. Just as the ash tree begins to lose its branches and ultimately dies, untreated gum disease can lead to tooth loss, affecting not just the health of your mouth but your overall well-being.
Understanding the Stages of Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease, often called gum disease, is a chronic condition that affects the tissues supporting your teeth. It starts with the buildup of plaque—a sticky, bacteria-filled film that forms on your teeth. If this plaque isn’t effectively removed with good oral hygiene, it leads to gingivitis. In this early stage, you might notice red, swollen gums that bleed easily when brushing or flossing. At this point, the damage is still reversible with professional care and better cleaning at home.
But when gingivitis goes untreated, it turns into periodontitis, a much more serious issue. The infection causes the gums to retract from the teeth. As a result, deep pockets where bacteria can hide are created. These pockets are like traps—they collect food and bacteria and become increasingly infected over time. This infection then starts to break down the bone and tissue that hold your teeth in place. Imagine the foundation of a house crumbling; eventually, the structure becomes unstable. In the same way, your teeth may become loose, and if nothing is done, they can even fall out.
Periodontitis moves in stages—from mild to severe—each stage causing more damage than the last. You might not feel much discomfort in the early phase, but the disease silently erodes the support your teeth need. The further it progresses, the more serious the consequences.
How We Treat Periodontal Disease
Stage 1: Early Treatment for Gingivitis
We can easily reverse gingivitis in its earliest stage. We start with a professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar, followed by personalized coaching to boost your at-home oral care. With the right daily habits and regular dental check-ups, we can restore your gums to full health.
Stage 2: Fighting Periodontitis
In the initial stages of periodontal disease, Dr. Keider recommends performing a deep cleaning (debridement) to clear bacteria from under the gumline. As the condition progresses to moderate periodontitis, he may carry out more comprehensive treatments, including scaling and root planing. Dr. Keider may also prescribe antibiotics, and you’ll need to come in more frequently for monitoring to keep the disease under control.
Stage 3: Advanced Treatment for Severe Periodontitis
For severe cases, a more aggressive approach is often needed. Dr. Keider may recommend flap surgery, which involves gently lifting the gums to thoroughly clean deep pockets of infection and remove damaged tissue. This allows the area to heal and helps healthy gum tissue reattach to the teeth. To support your recovery and maintain progress, we’ll likely schedule cleanings every three months and closely monitor your gum health to prevent the disease from returning.
Periodontal Disease After Tooth Loss
Losing a tooth doesn’t mean gum disease goes away. The bacteria that cause periodontal issues can continue to live in your gum tissue and jawbone—even in areas where teeth are no longer present. This ongoing inflammation can put nearby teeth and surrounding tissue at risk.
If you’re considering dental implants to replace missing teeth, it’s especially important to manage gum health. Active infection can interfere with healing and increase the risk of implant failure. That’s why maintaining clean, healthy gums is essential—before and after implant placement.
At home, using tools like interdental brushes or water flossers can help remove plaque and bacteria from hard-to-reach areas between teeth and around implants, where a regular toothbrush might miss.
Just as important is regular professional care. Routine check-ups with Dr. Keider allow for close monitoring of your gum tissue, early detection of any signs of infection, and prompt treatment, so your mouth stays healthy and your dental work lasts.
Healthy Gums Start Here: Book Your Appointment With Dr. Keider
Gum disease doesn’t always come with loud warnings. In fact, most people don’t realize there’s a problem until the damage is already underway. But the good news is, you don’t have to wait for symptoms to take control of your oral health. Give your gums the attention they deserve—schedule a consultation with Dr. Keider and take a proactive step toward a cleaner, healthier mouth that supports your overall well-being.
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