PRIVACY PRACTICES BOOKLETWhen you visit Buckhead Family Dentistry for your periodontal treatment, our dentists will carefully evaluate your mouth to determine the type of gum disease you have. This will help us create a treatment plan that meets your needs, which will help improve your oral health. Call us today at 404-846-9100 to make an appointment with Dr. Travis Paige or Dr. Tho Cao and learn more about types of periodontal disease in Atlanta, Georgia.
There are two main types of periodontal disease: gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is the mildest form of gum disease and is often characterized by gums that are red and swollen and bleed easily. Gingivitis is reversible with professional treatment and good oral home care. If untreated, gingivitis will advance to the more serious type of gum disease, periodontitis.
Periodontitis is a more severe stage of gum disease and occurs when plaque, bacteria and toxins spread into the gums, inflaming them and breaking the tissue down. As the disease progresses, gums begin to separate from the teeth and form pockets, and eventually gum, bone and tooth tissue are destroyed. There are several forms of periodontitis. The most common include:
- Aggressive periodontitis, which is characterized by rapid attachment loss and bone destruction. This form usually occurs in patients who are otherwise healthy.
- Chronic periodontitis, which is characterized by inflammation in the supporting oral tissues and by a slower but progressive loss of gum and bone tissue.
- Periodontitis as a manifestation of systemic diseases, which begins at a young age and is associated with systemic conditions such as heart disease, respiratory disease and diabetes.
- Necrotizing periodontal disease, which is characterized by the death of gingival tissues and bone as they are deprived of the nourishment they need to remain healthy. These lesions are typically found in individuals with conditions such as malnutrition, immunosuppression and HIV infection.
For more information about types of periodontal disease and to schedule a consultation with our dentists, please contact our office today.
