Types of Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease (also known as gingivitis, periodontitis, and gum disease) is a progressive ailment which attacks the gum and supporting bone of the teeth. You usually do not feel it, but if the condition is left untreated, periodontal disease can result in loose, unstable teeth, and even tooth loss. Periodontal disease is, in fact, the leading cause of tooth loss in adults in the developed world and should be treated as early as possible!

Periodontal disease begins when the toxins found in plaque start to attack the soft or gum tissue surrounding the teeth. This bacteria embeds itself in the gum and rapidly breeds, causing a bacterial infection. As the infection progresses, it starts to burrow deeper into the tissue causing inflammation or irritation between the teeth and gums, usually without any feeling. The response of the body is to destroy the infected tissue, which is why the gums may recede. The resulting pockets between the teeth and gum deepen and, if no treatment is sought, the tissue which makes up the jawbone also deteriorates causing unstable teeth and tooth loss.

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Types of Periodontal Disease

There are many different varieties of periodontal disease, and many ways in which these variations manifest themselves. All require immediate treatment by a periodontist to halt the progression and save the gum tissue and bone. Here are some of the most common types of periodontal disease along with the treatments typically performed to correct them:

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the mildest and most common form of periodontitis. It is caused by the toxins in plaque and leads to periodontal disease. People at increased risk of developing gingivitis include pregnant women, women taking birth control pills, people with uncontrolled diabetes, steroid users and people who control seizures and blood pressure using medication.

Treatment – Gingivitis is easily reversible using a solid combination of home care and professional cleaning. The dentist may perform root planning and deep scaling procedures to cleanse the pockets of debris. A combination of antibiotics and medicated mouthwashes may be used to kill any remaining bacteria and promote the good healing of the pockets.

Chronic Periodontal Disease

Chronic periodontal disease is the most common form of the disease and occurs much more frequently in people over 45. Chronic periodontal disease is characterized by inflammation below the gum line and the progressive destruction of the gum and bone tissue. It may appear that the teeth are gradually growing in length, but in actuality, the gums are gradually receding.

Treatment: Unfortunately unlike gingivitis, chronic periodontal disease frequently cannot be completely reversed because the supportive bone cannot be rebuilt. However, the periodontist can halt the progression of the disease using scaling and root planing procedures in combination with laser treatments. If necessary, the periodontist can perform surgical treatments such as pocket reduction surgery and also tissue grafts to strengthen and regrow the bone and gum tissue.

Aggressive Periodontal Disease

Aggressive periodontal disease is characterized by the rapid loss of gum attachment and the rapid loss of bone tissue. The disease itself is essentially the same as chronic periodontitis but the progression is much faster. Smokers and those with a family history of this disease are at an increased risk of developing aggressive periodontitis.

Treatment – The treatments for aggressive periodontal disease are the same as those for chronic periodontal disease, but aggressive periodontal disease sufferers are far more likely to require a surgical correction. This form of the disease is harder to halt and treat, but the dentist may perform scaling, root planing, antimicrobial, and in some cases laser procedures in an attempt to save valuable tissue and bone.

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. Heart disease, diabetes and respiratory disease are the most common cofactors, though there are many others. Even in cases where little plaque coats the teeth, many medical conditions intensify and accelerate the progression of periodontal disease.

Treatment: Initially, the medical condition which contributed to the onset of periodontal disease must be controlled. The dentist will halt the progression of the disease using the same treatments used for controlling aggressive and chronic periodontal disease.

If you have any question or concerns about the different types of periodontal disease and treatments, please ask your dentist.

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Robin Berg
I felt well cared for by the Periodontal Associates team whether for my consultation visit, my tooth extraction or the two follow up visits. They are kind, professional, timely, and Dr. Heller is clearly an expert in his field. He had two potential plans of care for my procedure- one was tooth removal if absolutely necessary and the second to potentially save my tooth. Unfortunately the area was in bad condition so he was able to safely do the extraction and I feel SO much better (immediately). All points of contact at their office make you feel welcome, understood and well cared for. I'll be going back for periodic cleanings/ maintenance/ prevention for sure.
phil johnson
Had a graft done by Dr Verseman (probably misspelled) He was understanding and compassionate. The graft was successful and the after care was great. I just started doing regular cleanings here and am happy to be cleaned by Alison. Thanks Guys!!!
Barbara Sales
I highly recommend Dr. Heller and everyone associated with Periodontal Associates. From the moment I walked in, through the entire several month process of receiving a dental implant, I was made to feel totally comfortable. As a somewhat nervous patient, this was so important to me! Every step of the process was explained to me and my questions were welcomed and answered. Dr. Heller is very personable, extremely competent, and thoughtful. I’m so grateful that I was referred to him, and I’m very happy with my implant.
Brian Hurst
I had three grafts here and they did an fantastic job. Super informative on the procedure prior took good care that I was not in any pain and were great with the follow up and post op care. I would highly recommend them!!!
Carly Kosik
The staff here is outstanding, both friendly and adept. I had a great experience and would highly recommend them to family and friends.
Melissa H.
Let's be honest here - there is nothing fun about having gum surgery. However, the staff and Dr. Heller were as good as it gets with regard to my treatment....
Lynne K.
I've been seen by Dr Beckmann since he joined the practice. I know he and his staff truly care about their patients and their dental health. Very...
Carol Thurstin
I have known Dr Versman and Dr Heller for 30 years. I don’t need periodontal treatment at this time but with the recent retirement of my General dentist, I was in search of a new dentist for my routine cleaning and dental health. Dr Heller suggested I visit Periodontal Assoc for my cleanings and I can say I feel like I got the best cleaning ever. My hygienist examined my neck and lymph nodes, which was never done by my previous dentist. I give this practice 5 stars.
Karen Pelling Levine
Dr. Doug Heller is one of three of the doctors that make up the driving force in my efforts to save my teeth and my overall health. What started out as one broken tooth led to the possibility of my losing all of my teeth to gum disease. Panicked, I reached for a second opinion and found Dr. Heller, along with my regular Dentist & Orthodontist. I am now the proud owner of only 5 implants, as opposed to full upper and lower implants OR full dentures. Though dental procedures are hardly fun, Dr. Heller and his staff have made it a smooth process, from financial to face-changing....I couldn't be happier. 😁 You be the judge. My profile pic, there on the left, is a fine example of their handiwork.
Double Bonus: Doorbell just rang. Beautiful plant has just arrived to cheer me in my recovery....Thank you, Dr. Heller and your wonderful Staff!
Jerome Gilmer
I was sent to Dr. Beckman on a referral from my dentist because of a slightly loose tooth. Dr. Beckman evaluated the situation and recommended a gum graft and bite adjustment. It is now six weeks since the procedure, and while the recovery was not painless, it was pretty much exactly as he said it would be. Upon evaluation earlier this week it was clear that the procedure was successful.

Dr. Beckman and the staff were very nice, supportive and professional and I would highly recommend this practice to anyone needing this kind of help.
Tori Horton Hamill
Dr Beckman performed a gum graft. I was nervous, but he explained everything clearly and thoroughly. The staff were very accommodating when I had to reschedule and they keep the schedule flowing on time so I was not sitting and waiting beyond the appointment time. The only downside was having to ask multiple times about the cost and what my calculated out of pocket would be. Would definitely recommend.
Ashley Anderson
5 stars! Dr. Beckman and the entire office staff provide superior customer service and care. I recently had a gum graft performed and from the very first meeting I felt at ease. Dr. Beckman took his time explaining the procedure and patiently answered any questions I had. On the day of the procedure they go the extra mile to make sure you are comfortable- they use top of the line medical treatment for an effective procedure and speedy recovery. The team was very supportive and available through the entire process and even calls to check on you post procedure. I highly recommend Dr. Beckman and his team!
Doris Binder
I needed to get some implants and Dr. Heller was recommended. Thankfully, he was absolutely wonderful. I wasn't sure what to expect, but he explained everything that needed be done and the procedure began. Now it's not an over night process, but the weeks after each step was a piece of cake. I am so happy with my implants. I had to have a tooth pulled a few weeks ago, and I don't know how he does it, but I had zero pain, no complications and I needed no pain Meds. The staff is so friendly and I highly recommend them.
Kenneth McCall
Jan Bernstein
Dr. Beckman and the staff couldn't have been nicer or more professional. I highly recommend the practice to anyone in need of a periodontist.
Chelsy LaForce
Dr. Heller and the rest of the team is absolutely amazing. They are super helpful through the entire process and I knew I was in great hands. Thank you so much!
Terry Lavitt Seiver
Aprille Tripler Moore
Dr. Beckman and the entire staff at Periodontal Associates are amazing! Dr. Beckman performed a gum graft procedure on me and to my surprise and relief I felt no pain. Not during the procedure or post op. The entire experience from consult through my last follow up appointment was topnotch.
Terry Sandahl
I have been a patient of first Dr. Versman and then Dr. Heller for over 20 years. This is an amazing periodontal group! I feel so comfortable having them take care of my needs~and there have been many! Dr. Heller is so easy going and I never feel like whatever he does will fail. They have a great support staff too! All their assistants are competent and friendly, and my hygienist Michelle is the best! Love these guys and wouldn't think of going anywhere else!
Holly DeLuise Bodine
I have some complicated dental issues but Dr. Heller and his team have handled them very well, and as painlessly as is possible. Dr. Heller explains things very thoroughly!