Periodontal disease treatment

The periodontium is the tissue that surrounds the tooth and holds it in place. It consists of the gums, tooth sockets, ligaments, and alveolar processes of the jaws. As periodontal disease progresses, these tissues gradually break down, leading to the exposure of tooth roots and an increase in the distance between teeth. Without proper treatment, the condition can eventually cause tooth mobility and loss.

Periodontal disease is a non-inflammatory disorder that occurs relatively rarely. Its characteristic symptoms—bleeding gums, increased sensitivity, and tooth mobility—also appear with other conditions such as gingivitis and periodontitis. Therefore, diagnosis cannot be made based on symptoms alone. Accurate diagnosis requires a thorough examination.

In the early stages, periodontal disease develops without noticeable symptoms. Patients often fail to detect the onset because the destruction of the periodontium occurs very slowly. Bleeding, pain, and changes in the gums appear only when the tissues are significantly affected.

Possible symptoms include:

• gum bleeding;
• pale gums;
• bad breath;
• plaque formation on the gums;
• dark deposits on the teeth;
• tooth sensitivity to cold, hot, or sweet foods;
• tooth mobility;
• exposure of tooth necks (roots);
• widening of gaps between teeth.

Gum bleeding, like other symptoms, may occur not only in periodontal disease. Similar signs are also typical of periodontitis and other oral conditions. Therefore, diagnosing “periodontal disease” solely based on occasional gum bleeding would be incorrect. During an appointment, a dentist conducts a thorough examination and additional tests, the results of which help determine the true cause of discomfort.

As the condition develops, the tissues of the periodontium may be destroyed either in a small localized area or throughout both jaws.

There are two main forms:

• Localized;
• Generalized.

According to the degree of tissue damage, five stages are distinguished:

1. Initial stage – minimal changes in the periodontium, no symptoms, noticeable only to an experienced specialist;
2. First stage – slight gum recession, occasional sensitivity to hot and cold;
3. Second stage – exposed tooth necks, widened spaces between teeth, increased sensitivity;
4. Third stage – gum recession of more than 50%, noticeable tooth mobility;
5. Fourth stage – gum recession over 65%, significant tooth mobility causing discomfort while eating.

In most cases, periodontal disease progresses slowly and almost imperceptibly. It gradually destroys the tissues, and symptoms appear only after some time. A dentist can detect it early only if the patient undergoes regular preventive check-ups.

At the first visit, a periodontist performs a detailed oral examination. The dentist evaluates the condition of the teeth and soft tissues, measures the depth of periodontal pockets, assesses tooth-neck exposure, and identifies the presence of plaque, tartar, caries, or other signs of disease. The patient is also asked about initial symptoms, chronic illnesses, and other contributing factors affecting the gums and bone tissues. This helps the specialist form a complete picture of the patient’s oral health.

To confirm the diagnosis, the dentist may order dental X-rays, CT scans, or orthopantomography (panoramic X-ray). These tests reveal sclerotic bone destruction, reduced interdental septa, gum atrophy, and other characteristic changes.

Diagnosis determines the extent of tissue damage and helps select the most effective treatment plan.

In some cases, the dentist may also recommend consultations with a therapist, endocrinologist, or other specialists to manage underlying systemic conditions contributing to periodontal damage.

Treatment is comprehensive and tailored individually based on diagnostic results.

Therapeutic measures include:

• professional cleaning of teeth and periodontal pockets;
• mechanical or ultrasonic curettage (at Oxford Medical, Vector therapy is used for this purpose);
• treatment of caries;
• physiotherapy to improve local blood circulation and strengthen bone tissue;
• drug therapy;
• splinting (to stabilize teeth);
• surgical procedures (gingivoplasty, removal of destroyed teeth, etc.);
• dental implantation and prosthetics.

Treatment is a multistage process. First, plaque, tartar, and damaged tissue are removed from the teeth and periodontal pockets using mechanical or ultrasonic curettage.

At Oxford Medical, the modern Vector therapy system is applied—an ultrasonic device that cleans pockets up to 11 mm deep without surgical intervention. This gentle method prevents damage to tooth enamel and deep periodontal tissues. Additionally, it allows the dentist to treat the gums and enrich the periodontium with calcium.

Drug therapy may also be prescribed, including antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agents, antiseptic solutions, and medicated ointments.

When teeth are highly mobile, splinting is performed. Using fiberglass or prosthetic reinforcement, this technique stabilizes the teeth and protects them from further loosening.

If certain teeth are destroyed by more than half and cannot be restored, extraction may be necessary, followed by implant placement or prosthetics.

Patients with systemic diseases should also consult appropriate specialists for additional treatment.

Despite the similarity of names, periodontitis and periodontal disease are fundamentally different.

• Periodontitis is an inflammatory condition that can be effectively treated. It may occur in acute or chronic form and is always accompanied by pronounced symptoms.
• Periodontal disease, by contrast, is a non-inflammatory, chronic degenerative disorder. It develops slowly and silently, causing irreversible destruction of periodontal tissues.

In periodontitis, gums swell, redden, and bleed easily. Periodontal disease progresses without these symptoms—bleeding and tooth mobility appear only in later stages.

Another major difference lies in curability: periodontitis can be completely treated, while periodontal disease causes irreversible damage. Proper therapy, however, can slow or stop atrophic changes and relieve symptoms. Continuous dental monitoring and regular preventive treatment are essential.

Since periodontal disease develops gradually and often unnoticed, one of the main preventive measures is regular dental check-ups. A dentist can detect the disease at an early stage, when treatment is most effective. Proper hygiene is also essential—bacterial accumulation, plaque, and tartar formation significantly increase the risk of periodontal conditions.

At Oxford Medical, you can receive a dentist’s consultation. The doctor will assess the condition of your teeth and gums and, if necessary, create a personalized treatment plan.

To make an appointment, call our contact center or write to us via the chat on the website.