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PREVENT PROBLEMS All About Cavities Brushing and Flossing Fluoride Mouth-Healthy Eating Sealants Taking Care of Your Teeth Tobacco Your Dental Visit MORE  CONDITIONS Bad Breath Cavities Cold Sores Dry Mouth Impacted Tooth Sensitive Teeth TMJ Tooth Discoloration MORE  TREATMENTS Crowns Dentures Fillings: The Basics Gum Surgery Implants Root Canal Treatment Scaling and Root Planing Whitening MORE  GENERAL TOPICS Controlling Pain Cosmetic Dentistry Emergencies Fill, Repair, Replace Kids And Teens Oral Health and Your Body Orthodontics Periodontics Seniors MORE

What is periodontal disease and what causes it? It starts with bleeding gums, but can lead to tooth loss if allowed to continue. How can periodontal disease be treated? Periodontal Disease: Causes and Prevention What causes gum disease and how can you prevent it? Illustrations: The Sequence of Gum Disease From gingivitis to advanced periodontitis, gum disease has a number of stages. Catching it early is your best bet. Your First Visit to a Periodontist What to expect during your first visit to a periodontist to have the health of your gums evaluated. Types of Periodontal Disease Periodontal disease can range from mild gingivitis to severe disease that results in tooth loss. Periodontal Examination and Probing A periodontal examination and probing are used to assess the health of your gums and teeth. Goals of Periodontal Treatment What conditions can be improved with periodontal treatment. Scaling and Root Planing This method cleans plaque and calculus (tartar) from your teeth. Soft-Tissue Grafts Grafts can improve gums that have receded. Crown Lengthening This common procedure involves the removal of gum tissue (gingiva), bone or both to expose more of a tooth's structure. Maintenance Therapy One of the keys to successful surgical or non-surgical treatment for periodontal disease is regular follow-up care. Antimicrobial Therapy Antimicrobial therapy is the use of antibiotics to help fight periodontal (gum) disease, which is caused by certain oral bacteria. Columbia Commentary: Periodontal Disease and Pregnancy Outcomes Research has not yet settled whether periodontal disease leads to preterm birth and other pregnancy problems, but all women should maintain good oral health. Gingivectomy Gingivectomy is the removal of gum tissue (gingiva) by surgery. Gingivoplasty is a type of gum surgery used to reshape healthy gum tissue around teeth. Smoking: A Danger to Healthy Gums Tobacco's greatest threat to your health may be its link to oral cancer. Smoking also increases your risk of gum disease and reduces the success of many dental treatments. Osseous Surgery Surgery can reshape bone to fill holes created by periodontal disease. Additional Resources Organizations and agencies to contact for more information. Gingival Flap Surgery This is a common surgical procedure used to treat periodontitis. Bone Grafts (Periodontal Regenerative Surgery) A bone graft is used to recreate bone and soft supporting tissues lost due to gum disease.

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