Tuesday, 01 February 2011

Dentist in Houston

COMPANY OVERVIEW 

With more than half a century since our inception, we are one of the world’s oldest, and most advanced, multidisciplinary dental centers offering comprehensive cosmetic and implant dentistry by dentists and specialists that have met and maintain the highest professional credentialing standards. With over 50,000 smile makeovers, our dentists, doctors and specialists have a proven track record that has established Dentiq Dentistry as the only practice of its kind in the world. Advanced diagnostics, leading technologies and world-class clinicians enable us to offer exceptional dentistry that’s regulated by an industry-leading quality assurance protocol. Commissioned to meet the highest of standards, when you do your treatment with us, you'll do it once and it will last a lifetime... so we honor our work for the life of the patient. From simple recare appointments to complete smile makeovers, our mission is the same “take great care of great people.” Let’s get to know you better...

[DENTIST IN HOUSTON]

Types of Gum Disease PDF Print E-mail
Written by Administrator   
Saturday, 29 January 2011 13:56

Periodontal (gum) diseases, including gingivitis and periodontitis, are serious infections that, left untreated, can lead to tooth loss. The word periodontal literally means "around the tooth." Periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the gums and bone supporting the teeth. Periodontal disease can affect one tooth or many teeth. It begins

when the bacteria in plaque (the sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth) causes the gums to become inflamed.

Types of Gum Disease

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the mildest form of periodontal disease. It causes the gums to become red, swollen, and bleed easily. There is usually little or no discomfort at this stage. Gingivitis is often caused by inadequate oral hygiene. Gingivitis is reversible with professional treatment and good oral home care.

Periodontitis

Untreated gingivitis can advance to periodontitis. With time, plaque can spread and grow below the gum line. Toxins produced by the bacteria in plaque irritate the gums. The toxins stimulate a chronic inflammatory response in which the body in essence turns on itself, and the tissues and bone that support the teeth are broken down and destroyed. Gums separate from the teeth, forming pockets (spaces between the teeth and gums) that become infected. As the disease progresses, the pockets deepen and more gum tissue and bone are destroyed. Often, this destructive process has very mild symptoms. Eventually, teeth can become loose and may have to be removed.

There are many forms of periodontitis. The most common ones include the following.

  • Aggressive periodontitis occurs in patients who are otherwise clinically healthy. Common features include rapid attachment loss and bone destruction and familial aggregation.
  • Chronic periodontitis results in inflammation within the supporting tissues of the teeth, progressive attachment and bone loss. This is the most frequently occurring form of periodontitis and is characterized by pocket formation and/or recession of the gingiva. It is prevalent in adults, but can occur at any age. Progression of attachment loss usually occurs slowly, but periods of rapid progression can occur.
  • Periodontitis as a manifestation of systemic diseases often begins at a young age. Systemic conditions such as heart disease, respiratory disease, and diabetes are associated with this form of periodontitis.
  • Necrotizing periodontal disease is an infection characterized by necrosis of gingival tissues, periodontal ligament and alveolar bone. These lesions are most commonly observed in individuals with systemic conditions such as HIV infection, malnutrition and immunosuppression.

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