Dr. Sean Mojaver at All Natural Dentistry combines advanced technology with innovative techniques to offer top-quality periodontal disease treatment to patients in Rancho Bernardo, 4S Ranch, Poway, Escondido, and nearby communities. His expertise ensures effective treatment for a variety of periodontal conditions.
Plaque and bacteria in the mouth can accumulate over time, leading to gum disease, which has the potential to harm both your teeth and gums. The early stage of gum disease, known as gingivitis, is often marked by swollen, red, bleeding, or receding gums. If untreated, the infection can progress, eventually destroying the bone that supports your teeth, potentially causing tooth loss. Periodontal disease has also been linked to serious health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, respiratory infections, and stroke. While gum disease cannot be completely cured, it can be effectively managed with dental care. By removing harmful bacteria and undergoing regular dental check-ups, you can prevent the condition from worsening.
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, occurs due to a buildup of bacteria and tartar that damages teeth and gums. It is the leading cause of tooth loss in the U.S. Initially, it presents as gingivitis, marked by inflammation and infection in the soft tissues of the mouth. Symptoms include bleeding or receding gums, swelling, loose teeth, and even tooth loss if untreated.
If you notice any of the following symptoms, they may indicate gum disease:
Gum disease may start subtly, but if left untreated, it can lead to significant dental issues. Here’s a breakdown of how gum disease progresses:
Gingivitis is the initial stage of gum disease and occurs when bacteria accumulate in the plaque on your teeth, particularly along the gumline. Your body responds to the bacteria, leading to inflammation. The main symptoms of gingivitis include:
If not addressed, gingivitis can advance to periodontitis. During this stage:
At this point, symptoms such as increased inflammation, more frequent bleeding, and gum recession become more evident.
Without treatment, periodontitis can progress to advanced periodontitis. During this severe stage:
While gum disease can be treated at any stage, early intervention leads to better outcomes. Dr. Burnett specializes in addressing gum disease to prevent tooth loss. The sooner the condition is addressed, the more effective the treatment will be.
Maintaining proper oral hygiene and visiting your dentist regularly are your best defenses against gum disease. If you notice symptoms, don’t wait to seek professional care
While daily brushing is a key part of oral hygiene, gums are often overlooked. Keeping your gums free of plaque and tartar is essential to preventing periodontal disease. Regular brushing, flossing, and visiting your dentist twice a year for professional cleanings and exams are crucial steps to maintaining oral health. If gum disease develops, treatments can control the condition, although they cannot cure it. Healthy gums also play a vital role in procedures like dental implants, as untreated gum disease can slow healing and compromise results.
Periodontal disease often progresses silently, with little to no noticeable pain until it reaches an advanced stage. Still, it’s essential to watch for key warning signs, which may include:
The link between gum disease and various systemic illnesses has been extensively studied. Research suggests that gum disease could be associated with conditions like heart disease and diabetes, with inflammation believed to be the underlying factor in this connection.
Periodontist Dr. Sean Mojaver offers titanium implants. For the cost of a titanium implant please call the office.
Ceramic zirconia implants typically cost between $5,000 and $8,100 nationwide, covering the implant, abutment, and crown. At All-Natural Dentistry, Dr. Amy Khajavi provides a single ceramic zirconia dental implant, including the abutment, for a flat fee of $3,300 with our VIP Plan
Plaque is a sticky, colorless film that forms continuously on your teeth. It harbors bacteria that produce acids, which can lead to tooth decay and gum irritation. This irritation triggers an inflammatory response that may progress to gingivitis or periodontal disease. If plaque isn’t regularly removed through brushing and flossing, it hardens into calculus (or tartar). Unlike plaque, calculus cannot be removed with a toothbrush and requires a dental professional’s care during a cleaning. To keep plaque and tartar in check, brush twice daily, floss once a day, and visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings.
Periodontal disease is uncommon in children and only occasionally seen in adolescents. However, teaching kids the importance of maintaining healthy teeth and gums is vital to preventing periodontal issues later in life. Encourage children to brush their teeth twice daily and learn proper flossing techniques. Developing good flossing habits at a young age greatly increases the likelihood that they’ll continue for a lifetime. These simple routines can go a long way in protecting their teeth and gums from periodontal disease. Parents should also stay alert for warning signs of periodontal disease, such as red, swollen, or bleeding gums, or persistent bad breath. If you notice any of these symptoms in your child, consult your dental professional right away. Additionally, make sure your dental provider has a complete family history, as genetics may play a key role in the early onset of periodontal disease.
Periodontists primarily focus on diagnosing and treating gum disease, but their expertise extends to a variety of other procedures. They place dental implants when saving natural teeth is no longer an option and ensure the implants are functioning effectively over time. Additionally, periodontists address gum recession by covering exposed root surfaces, which not only improves appearance but also alleviates sensitivity to hot and cold. These treatments often serve as a foundation for further cosmetic procedures designed to enhance your smile. Periodontists also play a vital role in collaborating with general dentists and other dental specialists to develop comprehensive oral care plans.
The most effective way to prevent periodontal disease is by maintaining proper oral hygiene at home. This means brushing your teeth after meals and before bed, flossing daily, and scheduling regular check-ups with your dentist or periodontist twice a year. A few minutes a day dedicated to prevention can help you avoid the hassle and cost of treating periodontal disease later!
Congratulations on taking charge of your health! While recent studies suggest that genetics can influence the risk of gum disease, several other factors contribute as well.
Research indicates that periodontal disease results from the inflammatory response to bacteria beneath the gums, meaning it may not technically be contagious. However, the bacteria triggering this reaction can be transmitted through saliva. To reduce the risk, avoid sharing eating utensils or oral hygiene tools with a family member who has periodontal disease. If you observe signs such as bleeding, red or swollen gums, or persistent bad breath in a loved one, encourage them to get evaluated. Taking these precautions can help safeguard the oral health of your entire family
Regular check-ups are crucial for monitoring the current state of your periodontal disease and assessing any progression over time. Your periodontist will develop a personalized maintenance plan tailored to the severity of your condition. Factors like overall health, bone loss severity, and risk elements such as smoking or genetics will guide the adjustments to your care plan, ensuring your condition does not worsen. For mild cases, exams may be recommended every six months, while more advanced stages might require visits every few months.
Preventing gum disease involves adopting a thorough dental hygiene routine. Brush and floss daily, visit your dentist for regular cleanings, and consider lifestyle changes such as a healthier diet and quitting smoking. Studies by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research show former smokers reduce their risk of gum disease significantly after quitting.
Untreated gum disease can lead to the loss of bone and tissue supporting your teeth. Over time, teeth may shift, making it hard to eat or speak, and eventually causing tooth loss. It can also increase the risk of other health problems, such as cardiovascular diseases and stroke.
Dr. Sean Mojaver will carefully evaluate your teeth and gums to assess signs of gum disease. If gingivitis or an advanced periodontal condition is detected, he will recommend steps to manage or treat it.
For early stages, preventive measures may suffice; for advanced cases, a personalized treatment plan will be created. Common treatment options include scaling and root planing, a non-surgical procedure to remove tartar above and below the gumline and smooth out the tooth roots to eliminate bacteria accumulation areas.
Another advanced treatment option is laser therapy. Using modern dental lasers, Dr. Sean Mojaver can target bacterial infections surrounding tooth roots, disinfect treated areas, and reseal gum pockets. Post-treatment, gums typically reattach to cleaner, healthier areas of your teeth. Many patients find laser treatment to be more comfortable compared to traditional methods.
For more details on periodontal disease treatments or to schedule a consultation, contact Dr. Sean Mojaver at All Natural Dentistry by calling (858) 779-9292