Designing Smiles
Angela Hilton-Foley, DMD, FICOI                                        813.891.1212
______________________________________________
13017 W. Linebaugh Ave, Tampa, FL          33626  General, Cosmetic and Family Dentistry



Gingivitis, early gum disease, is reversible if treated in a timely fashion.  There is only inflammation of the gums in this stage, and the bone and supporting structures have not been permanently damaged.  With gingivitis, a good cleaning or two, along with improved home care, medicament rinses, and regular professional cleanings at intervals of 4-6 months is usually all that it takes to turn things around.

Early periodontal disease, occurs when there is some evidence of bone loss on the x rays, and increased numbers when probing with the dental (ruler) probe.  There may be isolated areas where the pockets are slightly deeper, requiring limited scaling and root planing with anesthesia with Oraquix (liquid Lidocaine gel anesthesia, no shots), and an overall deep cleaning.  Along with good home care, flossing, an electric toothbrush, prescription rinses, and sometimes even local antibiotics, like Arestin,  we, at Designing Smiles are able to bring things back to a healthy condition. 

Moderate Periodontal Disease occurs when there are more pockets present in the mouth, and the depths of those pockets are deeper, for instance, 5 mm or greater.  There is usually evidence of bone loss on the x-rays, along with bleeding, swelling of the gums, and sometimes there is an exudate (pus) present.  Moderate periodontal disease is treated with root planing and scaling with anesthesia, Arestin antibiotics, and prescription mouth rinses.  Using an electric toothbrush along with more frequent recalls/ professional cleanings (every 3 months) will help improve the health of the gums.  If pocket depths become too large to manage, gum surgery is often recommended, along with a referral to a local periodontist, here in Tampa, Florida.  (A periodontist is a specialist that concentrates on the health of the gums and the prevention of gum disease). 

The goal when diagnosed with periodontal disease, is to avoid surgical intervention if possible, but if needed,  it should not be delayed. Early intervention with a non-surgical approach is ideal.  The laser can be used to help sterilize periodontal pockets, and help to prevent further breakdown.  Periodontal disease can be managed, but once you lose the bone support, it is irreversible.  You don't want to ever allow a period of greater than 3-4 months to go by without having a good dental cleaning (periodontal maintenance), once scaling and root planing has been performed. 

Severe periodontal disease is often treated by a periodontist. Once diagnosed with severe periodontal disease, surgical intervention is often necessary to prevent or delay tooth loss. Usually at this point, the discussion of whether or not implants should be done, should be entertained.  You want to make this decision before there is so much bone destruction in the mouth, that it would make it difficult to have implants placed, due to the lack of bone support for the implants.  With implants there is a minimum requirement of bone in the area where an implant is planned.  Sometimes it is necessary to place a bone graft or soft tissue graft, and allow the area to heal, following an extraction.  Once the bone regenerates, the implant can be placed.  Depending on your proximity to our office, we will refer you to a specialist in the Tampa, Clearwater, Town and Country, or Carollwood area if it is determined during your examination, that there is sufficient bone loss present.

If you would like to learn more about gum disease or would like to schedule and appointment with Designing Smiles, please call our office at 813.891.1212.