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Periodontal
Periodontal disease can affect one tooth or many
teeth. It begins when the bacteria in plaque (the sticky, colorless film
that constantly forms on your teeth) causes the gums to become inflamed.
In the mildest form of the disease, gingivitis,
the gums redden, swell and bleed easily. There is usually little or no
discomfort. Gingivitis is often caused by inadequate oral hygiene.
Gingivitis is reversible with professional treatment and good oral home
care.
Untreated gingivitis can advance to periodontitis.
With time, plaque can spread and grow below the gum line. Toxins produced
by the bacteria in plaque irritate the gums. The toxins stimulate a
chronic inflammatory response in which the body in essence turns on
itself, and the tissues and bone that support the teeth are broken down
and destroyed. Gums separate from the teeth, forming pockets (spaces
between the teeth and gums) that become infected. As the disease
progresses, the pockets deepen and more gum tissue and bone are destroyed.
Often, this destructive process has very mild symptoms. Eventually, teeth
can become loose and may have to be removed
Periodontal Surgery and procedures are necessary
when you are diagnosed with periodontal disease, and tissue around your
teeth is unhealthy and cannot be repaired with non-surgical treatment
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