Periodontal Therapy
Gum disease or periodontal disease, a chronic inflammation and infection of the gums and
surrounding tissue, is the major cause of about 70 percent of adult tooth loss, affecting
three out of four persons at some point in their life.
As an integral part of our comprehensive dental care, diagnosing and treating periodontal
disease in its early stages is very important to us. If we believe that your periodontal
condition requires treatment by a specialist, you will be referred to a periodontist, who we
work closely with to resolve and/or stabilize your periodontal health. An accurate
diagnosis depends on having the proper x-rays, health history and clinical exam to determine
both the causative factors and the extent of the disease process.
 Feedback from you is also important, so please let us know if you are experiencing any of the
following symptoms: red, swollen or tender gums; bleeding while brushing or flossing; gums
that pull away from teeth; loose or separating teeth; drainage from infection between the gum
and tooth; persistent bad breath; or change in the way your teeth fit together
when you bite.
Since bacterial plaque, a sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on the teeth, is
recognized as the primary cause of gum disease, regular dental hygiene visits are imperative
to remove this causative factor. When plaque calcifies in your mouth into calculus, the
periodontal disease process is well on its way. There are many other contributing factors to
periodontal disease, including heredity, smoking, poor nutrition, stress and other diseases
that interfere with the body’s immune system which are sometimes more difficult to
control.
Dr. Crumb and Dr. Craybas, working closely with our professional dental hygienists, will
design a personalized program for you to help prevent periodontal disease from developing or
to minimize the negative effects of the disease process that already exists. Our
hygienists are all expertly trained in the recognition of periodontal disease and whether they
recommend scaling and root planning for you or antimicrobials, you can rest assured that you
will be well cared for.
Remember that removing plaque through daily brushing, flossing and professional cleaning and
examinations is the best way to minimize your risk.
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