Your Periodontics Services Toronto FAQs Answered

Periodontal disease can be a scary diagnosis, and you may have a lot of questions about the disease and your treatment options.

Here are the answers to a few periodontics services Toronto FAQs.

What Is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums, which, if left untreated, can go on to destroy the tissue, bone, and structure that supports your teeth. The disease advances in stages, beginning with gingivitis, a mild inflammation of the gums, and progressing into a more severe infection known as periodontitis.

What Causes Periodontal Disease?

Inadequate oral hygiene, resulting in a build-up of plaque, is the primary cause of gingivitis. But, even with careful brushing, plaque can stick to teeth and collect below the gum line, leading to gingivitis and eventually periodontists (a gum infection).

As the condition progresses, pockets may form between your gums and teeth, collecting more of the plaque-causing bacteria. Left untreated, this plaque can calcify and harden into tartar. As you advance from gingivitis into periodontitis, your risk for negative health effects like tooth loss, tissue damage, and bone deterioration increases.

What Are The Signs Of Periodontal Disease?

The warning signs of periodontal disease are often missed because they can be very subtle. Symptoms include:

• Swelling or redness
• Bleeding gums
• Bad breath
• Receding gums
• Loose or shifting teeth

Why Is It Important To Treat Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease cannot be managed at home, and prompt, professional treatment could be the difference between requiring a simple deep clean, like root planing and scaling and requiring restorative treatment.

At first, gum disease may appear only to have aesthetic consequences. But swollen, discoloured gums can quickly become a more serious infection, leading to receding gums, loose teeth, jawbone deterioration, and eventually even tooth loss.

Read more about Treatment Options for Gum Disease

Does Insurance Cover Periodontal Treatment?

If you have private insurance or extended benefits, some of the cost of periodontal treatment may be covered. Your periodontist’s office can help you look into your coverage and submit estimates before treatment begins.

Is Surgery The Only Option To Treat Periodontal Disease?

Surgery is one option that is sometimes required to treat periodontal disease; however, there are also non-invasive treatments that may be more suitable for your situation. Your periodontist will always look at the most conservative treatment option first.

Can Teeth Be Saved?

Prompt treatment of periodontal disease is crucial to avoiding tooth loss. Advances in periodontal techniques have significantly improved treatment options. But if required, your periodontist will also be able to provide information on tooth replacement possibilities.

This periodontics services Toronto FAQs guide should help answer some of your questions, but your best resource is your local periodontist.