Exceptional service with an uncompromising commitment to the highest level of care.
Philadelphia Office: Philadelphia PA Periodontics Office Phone Number215-985-4337 | 1520 Locust Street, Suite 600
Philadelphia , PA 19102 |
Philadelphia Office: Philadelphia PA Periodontics Office Phone Number215-985-4337| 1520 Locust Street, Suite 600
Philadelphia , PA 19102 |
Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease, commonly called gum disease, occurs when bacteria in plaque builds up between your gums and teeth. This bacterial infection causes inflammation that destroys the gums and supporting bone structure, leading to gum recession, loose teeth, and tooth loss.
Dr. Jay Laudenbach and Dr. Ishita Bhavsar at Laudenbach Periodontics & Dental Implants are here to help you feel confident with your smile by diagnosing and treating all stages of periodontal disease. Our Philadelphia practice restores your gum health and protects your teeth from the damaging effects of gum infection.
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease begins when plaque, a sticky colorless film containing bacteria, accumulates along your gum line. Your immune system responds by triggering inflammation in the gum tissue. In early stages, this causes gingivitis — red, swollen, bleeding gums.
Without treatment, the infection progresses deeper. Bacteria spread below the gum line into periodontal pockets between your gums and teeth. These deep pockets harbor bacteria that your toothbrush and floss cannot reach. The infection destroys the connective tissue and bone holding your teeth in place.
Advanced periodontal disease creates severe bone loss around affected teeth. The gums recede, teeth become loose, and abscesses may form. Data from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research indicates periodontal disease affects nearly half of adults over 30.
Research links severe gum disease to broader systemic health concerns. The chronic inflammation and bacteria from periodontal infection may contribute to heart disease, diabetes complications, respiratory problems, and pregnancy complications.
Stages of Periodontal Disease
Gingivitis represents the earliest stage of gum disease. Your gums appear red and swollen rather than pink and firm. Bleeding gums when you brush or floss signal inflammation. At this stage, the infection affects only the gum tissue without damaging underlying bone. Professional cleaning and improved oral hygiene can reverse gingivitis completely.
Early periodontitis develops when gingivitis goes untreated. The infection spreads below the gum line, creating shallow periodontal pockets measuring 4–5mm deep. Bacteria begin destroying the bone supporting your teeth. You may notice bad breath, gum recession, and increased tooth sensitivity.
Moderate periodontitis shows clear bone loss on X-rays. Periodontal pockets deepen to 6–7mm. Your gums pull away from teeth, making them appear longer. Loose teeth indicate significant loss of bone support. Bleeding and pus from gum pockets become common.
Advanced periodontitis represents severe periodontal disease with extensive bone destruction. Deep pockets exceeding 7mm surround affected teeth. Severe bone loss causes teeth to shift position or become very loose. Abscesses form as pockets fill with infection.
Chronic periodontitis progresses slowly over many years and represents the most common form in adults. Aggressive periodontitis affects younger patients and causes rapid bone loss despite relatively little plaque buildup.
Risk Factors for Periodontal Disease
Poor oral hygiene creates the primary risk for developing gum disease. Inadequate brushing and flossing allows plaque to accumulate along the gum line. This plaque hardens into tartar that only professional dental cleaning can remove.
Smoking dramatically increases your risk for severe periodontal disease. Tobacco weakens your immune system, making it harder to fight gum infection. Smokers develop deeper periodontal pockets and experience more bone loss than nonsmokers.
Diabetes and periodontal disease create a two-way relationship. High blood sugar impairs your immune system’s ability to fight gum infection. Severe gum disease makes blood sugar harder to control. Patients with diabetes face higher risk for advanced gum disease and tooth loss.
Genetics influence your susceptibility to periodontal disease. Some people inherit variations in immune response that make them more vulnerable to gum infection. A family history of tooth loss from gum disease indicates increased risk.
Poor nutrition weakens your body’s defense against infection. Vitamin C deficiency particularly affects gum health. Stress compromises immune system function. Certain medications that cause dry mouth increase periodontal disease risk by reducing saliva’s protective effects.
Flexible Financing for Periodontal Treatment
Restore your smile with periodontal treatment and flexible financing options that make care affordable and accessible for Philadelphia-area patients.
Symptoms of Periodontal Disease
Bleeding gums are one of the earliest warning signs of periodontal disease, and symptoms tend to worsen as the infection advances:
- Early symptoms: bleeding during brushing and flossing, persistent bad breath, red or swollen gums, tender gum tissue
- Progressive symptoms: gum recession making teeth appear longer, sensitive teeth from exposed roots, discomfort when chewing
- Advanced symptoms: loose teeth, teeth shifting position, pus between teeth and gums, gaps developing between teeth
Early symptoms: bleeding during brushing and flossing, persistent bad breath, red or swollen gums, tender gum tissue
Progressive symptoms: gum recession making teeth appear longer, sensitive teeth from exposed roots, discomfort when chewing
Advanced symptoms: loose teeth, teeth shifting position, pus between teeth and gums, gaps developing between teeth
Changes in how your teeth fit together when you bite can also signal progression of periodontal disease. Any of these symptoms warrant prompt evaluation to prevent further damage to your gums and bone.
Nonsurgical Treatment Options
Scaling and root planing is the primary nonsurgical treatment for periodontal disease. This deep cleaning removes plaque and tartar from below the gum line and smooths tooth roots to help gums reattach and heal.
A dental hygienist or periodontist performs scaling and root planing using specialized instruments. Local anesthetic numbs the treatment area. The procedure typically requires two to four visits, treating one section of your mouth each time.
Antibiotic therapy supplements scaling and root planing in some cases. Topical antibiotics placed directly into periodontal pockets target bacteria at the source. Oral antibiotics address widespread infection. These medications reduce bacterial load and support the healing process.
Professional dental cleaning every three to four months helps maintain results after initial treatment. Regular periodontal maintenance appointments prevent reinfection and allow early detection of any recurring problems.
Surgical Procedures for Advanced Periodontal Disease
Periodontal surgery becomes necessary when deep pockets remain after nonsurgical treatment. Flap surgery accesses roots and bone beneath the gum line. Your periodontist makes small incisions to lift the gum tissue, thoroughly cleans the roots, removes diseased tissue, and repositions the gums to reduce pocket depth.
Bone grafting restores bone destroyed by periodontal disease. The procedure places graft material into areas of bone loss, serving as a scaffold for new bone growth, strengthening support for affected teeth, and creating a foundation for potential dental implants.
Guided tissue regeneration promotes growth of new bone and connective tissue. A special membrane placed between the gum tissue and bone creates space for regeneration while blocking fast-growing gum tissue from filling the area.
Soft tissue grafts address gum recession by taking tissue from your palate or using donor material to cover exposed roots. This protects roots from decay, reduces sensitivity, and improves the appearance of your smile.
Preventing Periodontal Disease
Brush your teeth twice daily for two minutes using a soft-bristled brush. Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle to your gum line and use gentle circular motions to clean all tooth surfaces. Brushing your tongue where bacteria accumulate is also important.
Floss at least once daily to remove plaque and food particles from between teeth and along the gum line. Slide the floss gently up and down against each tooth surface, curving it around the base of each tooth to reach below the gum line.
Regular dental checkups and professional cleanings remove tartar before it causes gum problems. Most people need cleanings every six months, while those with increased risk for gum disease benefit from visits every three to four months.
Use antimicrobial mouthwash to reduce plaque-causing bacteria. Rinse for 30 seconds after brushing and flossing, and choose products with the American Dental Association seal of approval.
Quitting smoking dramatically reduces your risk for severe gum disease. Maintaining a balanced diet, managing diabetes and other systemic conditions, and addressing teeth grinding or clenching all play important roles in protecting your long-term gum health.
The Connection Between Oral and Systemic Health
Research increasingly shows links between periodontal disease and overall health. The bacteria from gum infection can enter your bloodstream and travel throughout your body, and chronic inflammation from untreated periodontal disease may contribute to a range of systemic conditions.
Heart disease risk increases with severe gum disease. The inflammation and bacteria may contribute to arterial plaque buildup, blood clots, and cardiovascular events. Some studies suggest that treating periodontal disease may also reduce cardiovascular disease risk.
Diabetes and periodontal disease affect each other directly. Gum infection makes blood sugar control more difficult, while poor blood sugar control worsens periodontal disease. Managing both conditions together improves outcomes for each.
Pregnant women with periodontal disease face higher risk for premature birth and low birth weight. The inflammation from gum infection may trigger early labor. Treating gum disease during pregnancy appears safe and may improve pregnancy outcomes.
Respiratory infections may also be more common in people with periodontal disease. Bacteria from the mouth can be inhaled into the lungs, potentially causing pneumonia or worsening existing lung conditions.
Periodontal Disease Care at Laudenbach Periodontics & Dental Implants in Philadelphia
Dr. Jay Laudenbach, Board Certified Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology, and Dr. Ishita Bhavsar, Board Eligible for the American Board of Periodontology, provide comprehensive periodontal evaluations to assess your gum health, measure pocket depths, evaluate bone levels, and identify risk factors. Our team brings advanced training and a commitment to patient-centered care to every visit.
Our Philadelphia practice offers both nonsurgical and surgical treatments tailored to your specific needs. From scaling and root planing to Fotona laser therapy and regenerative procedures, we provide advanced solutions to restore your gum health and protect your smile. Early intervention prevents progression to severe periodontitis and helps preserve your natural teeth. Contact our office today to schedule your comprehensive periodontal evaluation.
Transform Your Oral Health with Periodontics in Philadelphia
Experience exceptional periodontal care at Laudenbach Periodontics & Dental Implants in Philadelphia. Take proactive steps to treat gum disease, preserve your teeth’s supporting structures, and maintain a healthy smile.
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Our Mission
Our mission is to help patients live healthier lives. We provide a caring, nurturing environment where your comfort and health is of primary importance.
1520 Locust Street, Suite 600
Philadelphia, PA 19102
215-985-4337
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