Jim D. Lassister DMD – What to Expect When You Need Periodontal Therapy

Periodontitis, which is a form of gum disease, causes severe gum inflammation. Some of the most obvious symptoms of gum disease include red and swollen gums that may or may not bleed. If you have gum disease and do not treat it, you may eventually need one or more teeth extracted.

Periodontitis tends to be more common among people over age 30, and it gets steadily worse over time without proper attention to oral hygiene. Approximately 47 percent of adults over age 30 have some form of gum disease, and that number increases to 70 percent for senior adults. Periodontal therapy in Jay, FL, is critical to reverse the progression of gum disease.

Causes and Symptoms of Periodontitis

The primary cause of gum disease is poor oral hygiene. If you do not brush and floss your teeth as often as you should, bacteria stick to plaque and tartar already present on the surface of your teeth. When bacteria builds up too much, it becomes lodged in between your teeth and gum line, which is difficult to reach with a toothbrush or dental floss.

The signs of gum disease are not always obvious. We encourage you to schedule an exam with Dr. Jim Lassiter if you notice one or more of the symptoms listed below.

• Bleeding gums
• Discolored gums
• Gum tenderness
• Loose teeth
• Pain when chewing food
• Persistent bad breath
• Pus along your gum line
• Red and/or swollen gums
• Teeth do not fit together properly

The most typical form of periodontal therapy in Jay FL is root planing and scaling, which are forms of dental deep cleaning. It is only when gum disease becomes quite advanced that Dr. Anderson may recommend surgery. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have additional questions about this common oral health condition.