Posted on May 4, 2015
A toothache is often warning enough to see a dentist and get a root canal in Belmont. Unfortunately, many people often ignore the symptoms of
periodontal disease, which can lead to missing teeth without timely treatment. Just as a root canal can prevent the need for tooth extraction, so too can gum disease treatment stop tooth loss. So if you notice any of the following symptoms, consult a dentist as soon as possible about how to address your periodontal disease.
Warning Signs of Gingivitis
The absence of pain frequently leads people to believe that a particular condition is not serious. This assumption often delays treatment for gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease. Gingivitis occurs when gum tissue experiences irritation from nearby plaque. Plaque is a sticky substance that can make gums red and swollen. They may even bleed as you brush or floss your teeth. Healthy gum tissue is pink and resilient. If you notice that your gums often bleed or are chronically red, seek the help of a qualified dentist. Gingivitis is reversible if caught before it evolves into periodontitis.
Indications of Periodontitis
If your gums experience long-term inflammation, they may begin to draw away from your tooth enamel. As a result, you may see that your teeth appear longer from a lack of adequate gum tissue. You might also notice deep pockets between your teeth and gums. Periodontitis can have permanent complications. When gum tissue retracts from tooth enamel, the fibers joining these structures are broken. Periodontitis also makes it easy for bacteria to enter gum tissue and reach tooth roots.
Symptoms of Advanced Periodontitis
Advanced periodontitis can put you at risk for tooth loss. When gum tissue becomes so damaged that it can no longer protect and keep in place your teeth, your teeth may become unstable. Speaking and eating might become more difficult actions, and should tooth loss occur, it could be considerably more challenging to communicate with others or maintain your normal diet. Advanced periodontitis also brings comprehensive cosmetic complications and impact your sense of self-esteem. Even at this advanced state, though, gum disease can be managed. If you have tooth loss due to periodontal disease, your dentist can likely fit you for dentures, a dental bridge, or dental implants depending on your needs.
