Causes and Symptoms

With time, a buildup of bacterial plaque around the teeth 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 turns against 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.  This destructible process has very mild symptoms which may not be noticeable.

Eventually, teeth can become loose and may have to be removed.

Treatment

Dr. Barr will create a treatment plan specific to your gum disease.  Early stages of gum disease can be treated by professional cleaning, oral hygiene instructions, and more frequent maintenance appointments.  More severe cases will benefit from scaling and root planning.

This is a deeper cleaning going into the pockets of the gum to remove plaque and tartar buildup.  Dental anesthetic can be used to make this procedure more comfortable.  After this stage of treatment Dr. Barr will evaluate to see if further treatment is needed or just continuing with a strict maintenance program.

If further treatment is necessary, Dr. Barr will work with a specialist to complete your treatment.