Periodontal Care

Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. In fact, according to a recent finding by the CDC, 47.2% of adults 30 years or older have some degree of the disease, whether mild, moderate or severe. 

At Trolley Dental Care, we believe that detection and treatment of gum disease is vital to protecting the health of your mouth and your body. With staff specially trained in periodontal therapies and deep cleaning, we can bring your smile back to optimal health.

Dr. Douglas Trolley is committed to finding minimally invasive ways to help all his patients maintain their natural tooth structures. Many patients have joined our practice believing they might lose one or some of their teeth. We are glad to have helped them preserve their healthy original smiles.

What causes gum disease?

Gum disease is caused by a buildup of plaque, a sticky form of bacteria that forms on the teeth. If the plaque is not removed by flossing, brushing, and regular dental checkups, it will continue to build up and harden to form tartar.  Periodontal disease has two stages: gingivitis and periodontitis.

Gingivitis — This is the early stage of gum disease, when the gums become red and swollen, and bleed easily. At this stage, the disease is treatable and can usually be eliminated by daily brushing and flossing.

Periodontitis — If left untreated, gingivitis will advance into periodontitis, and the gums and bone that support the teeth will become seriously and irreversibly damaged. Gums infected with periodontitis can cause teeth to become loose, fall out, or be removed by a dentist.

What are the symptoms of periodontal disease?

While it is possible to have periodontal disease and not know it, some symptoms can include:

• Gums that bleed easily
• Red, swollen, tender gums
• Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
• Persistent bad breath or bad taste
• Pus between your teeth and gums
• Permanent teeth that are loose or separating
• Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
• Any change in the fit of partial dentures

How does gum disease affect my overall health?

Besides the effect on your oral health, breaking down the bone and connective tissue that hold teeth in place, there is increasing evidence between periodontal diseases and other systemic conditions such as diabetes, adverse pregnancy outcomes, heart disease, cancer, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and more.

Contact Trolley Dental

To learn more about how Dr. Douglas Trolley can help you maintain or restore your oral health, or schedule a consultation, contact us today!