Periodontics

Periodontics Framingham, MA

Periodontal Associates offers periodontic services in Framingham and Newton, MA. Contact us to schedule an appointment.


Periodontics involves the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of gum disease. A periodontist is a dentist who has completed additional years of specialty training in periodontics at a post-doctoral educational program. Dr. Feuerman and Dr. Castellucci are certified periodontists, each with over 30 years of experience, and provide expert periodontal care.

Periodontal Disease is a bacterial infection of the gums, bone and ligaments that support the teeth and anchor them in the jaw. The bacteria are normal inhabitants of the mouth and form a film of dental plaque and calculus (tartar) which stick to the teeth. The bacteria produce poisonous toxins which stimulate the immune response to fight the infection. If the disease process is not stopped, the supporting structures of the teeth will continue to be destroyed. This eventually leads to tooth loss.

Periodontal disease can occur at any age. Over half of all people over the age of 18 have some form of the disease. After age 35, over 75% of all people are affected. Unfortunately, the disease process is usually asymptomatic and painless. The disease can be easily detected during regular dental examinations.

The most common types of periodontal disease are GINGIVITIS and PERIODONTITIS.

Healthy Gums and Bone


Gums appear light pink and are sharply defined. Bone completely surrounds the roots of the teeth. Teeth are firmly anchored into the bone.

Gingivitis


Gingivitis is infection of the gingiva (gum tissue), and is the initial stage of the disease process. Gums become red, swollen and may bleed easily. Underlying bone levels are unaffected.

Periodontitis


Periodontitis is classified as being Mild, Moderate or Severe, depending upon the amount of destruction to the gums, ligaments and bone that surround teeth. As the disease progresses, gums separate from the teeth and form gum pockets. These pockets get deeper as more underlying bone is destroyed. Gum pockets will collect increasing amounts of bacterial plaque and calculus (tartar) as the disease process worsens. Teeth will loosen as more bone is lost.

Contributing Factors to Periodontal Disease


The response of the gums and bone to dental plaque may be modified by one or more of the following factors.

  • Poorly fitting dental restorations
  • Smoking
  • Crowded teeth, improper bite alignment
  • Clenching or grinding of teeth
  • Hormonal changes, including pregnancy, menstruation and menopause
  • Diet
  • Systemic diseases, including blood disorders and diabetes
  • Medications, including calcium channel blockers and anti-convulsants

Warning Signs of Periodontal Disease

  • Bleeding gums
  • Tenderness, swelling, red color
  • Abscess ( pus oozing from the gums )
  • Foul odor
  • Loose teeth
  • Pain

Treatment of Periodontal Disease


Periodontal treatment is performed to eliminate disease from the tissue that surrounds the teeth and to restore health. Healthy gums are critical to overall oral hygiene and health.

Non-Surgical Treatment


Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical procedure used to treat gum disease.  During the scaling process, specialized dental instruments are used to remove dental plaque and calculus from beneath the gums.  Planing is the procedure used to smooth the tooth’s root after the scaling process.  Root planing helps the gums heal and reattach themselves to a cleaner and smoother root surface. Ultrasonic instruments are often used to help clean the teeth.

Dental lasers may also be used to detoxify the diseased gum tissue and help promote healing, including re-attachment of the gums to the teeth. Dental laser surgery uses a beam of intense light to correct a wide range of gum conditions. The energy produced by the laser cuts or vaporizes the tissue it is concentrated on. Stitches are not necessary, and there is a minimal risk of infection or bleeding with this conservative treatment.

Surgical Treatment


Osseous (bone) surgery is a surgical procedure used to smooth and reshape affected bone under the gum tissue. This procedure is performed when a pocket in the gums has formed around a tooth (or teeth). Bacteria can get into these pockets and damage bone, resulting in bone loss and ultimately, tooth loss. During osseous surgery the gum is “flapped” to expose the root of the tooth. The bone is reshaped and the gum sutured back into place. The pocket is minimized to the ideal probing depth (1-3 mm).

Other treatments that may be necessary to treat periodontal disease include:


  • Bone grafts
  • Gum grafts
  • Cosmetic plastic surgery
  • Fabrication of mouth guards
  • Bonding of teeth
  • Orthodontics
  • Medications (antibiotics, flouride, antimicrobial rinses)

Relationship of Gum Disease to Overall Medical Health


Periodontal disease has been linked to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, pregnancy problems, and other health concerns.


Are you looking for a periodontist in Framingham or Newton, MA? Contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.