Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that usually can be reversed with professional treatment and daily brushing and flossing. This form of gum disease does not include any loss of the bone tissue that holds teeth in place.  When gingivitis is not treated, it can advance to periodontitis where the pockets deepen and gum tissue and bone are destroyed.  

Periodontitis:

Periodontitis is an infection of the tissues (gum and bone) that support your teeth.  It can affect one tooth or many teeth, and it begins when the bacterial plaque (a sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth) causes the gums to become inflamed. This inflammation causes bone loss around the teeth and pocket formation.  If left untreated, teeth can become loose and may have to be removed.  While persistent swollen, red or bleeding gums, tooth sensitivity, and bad breath are warning signs of periodontal disease, this destructive condition may have mild or no symptoms at all and only can be diagnosed with a proper periodontal examination.

Aggressive Periodontal Disease:

Aggressive periodontal disease is characterized by the rapid loss of gum and bone tissue and is most often seen as familial aggregation (close family relatives having the same problem). The disease itself is essentially the same as chronic periodontitis but the progression is much faster and usually more severe and therefore, more difficult to control. Smokers and those with a family history of this disease are at an increased risk of developing aggressive periodontitis.

Periodontal Disease Relating to Systemic Conditions:

Periodontal disease can be a symptom of a disease or condition affecting the rest of the body.  Depending on the underlying condition, the disease can behave like aggressive periodontal disease, working quickly to destroy tissue.  Even in cases where little plaque coats the teeth, many medical conditions intensify and accelerate the progression of periodontal disease.

Necrotizing Periodontal Disease:

This form of the disease rapidly worsens and is more prevalent among people who suffer from HIV, immunosuppression, malnutrition, chronic stress or who choose to smoke. Tissue death (necrosis) frequently affects the periodontal ligament, gingival tissues and alveolar bone.

Gum Recession:

Exposed tooth roots are the result of gum recession.  Your gums may have receded for a variety of reasons, including aggressive tooth brushing or periodontal disease.  Not all areas of gum recession will need treatment.  In cases where recession is likely to continue, where there are sensitive roots, or when there are cosmetic concerns, soft tissue (gum) grafting can be accomplished.

If you have any question or concerns about the different types of periodontal disease and treatments, please feel free to call the office.

Jenkintown Periodontics & Dental Implants, LLC
Dr. Neal B. Suway, Dr. Jeremy Toscano, and Dr. Natalie Amoa
Dental Implants, Cosmetic and Laser Periodontics
261 Old York Road Suite 319
Jenkintown, PA 19046
Phone: (215) 887-6060

Convenient to Philadelphia, Abington, Willow Grove, Elkins Park, Cheltenham, Horsham, Warminster, and Hatboro