What Happens If Your Periodontal Disease Is Untreated?

Periodontal infection, if left untreated, can significantly impact both your oral and overall health. Starting with gum inflammation, untreated periodontal disease can progress and cause damage to your teeth, gums, and bones. Recognizing the risks of neglecting this condition is essential to maintaining long-term oral health. Let’s take a closer look at what can happen when periodontal disease is not addressed.

The Dangers of Untreated Periodontal Disease

If periodontal disease isn’t treated, it can lead to irreversible damage. While early stages may involve mild discomfort or swelling, the disease can quickly escalate into more serious conditions that affect the functionality and appearance of your teeth.

Tooth Loss

If periodontitis is not treated, it can commonly result in the loss of teeth. The bacteria that cause this disease affect the gums and supporting bone, which can eventually result in teeth becoming loose and falling out.

• Impact on Tooth Loss: Studies show that individuals with untreated periodontal disease can lose between 0.32 to 0.61 teeth per year. Over time, this can lead to complete tooth loss, particularly if the disease is left untreated for many years.
• Long-Term Consequences: Over long periods, untreated, periodontal disease can lead to severe tooth loss, making dental implants or dentures necessary.

Increased Probing Depth and Attachment Loss

As the disease advances, pockets between your gums and teeth deepen, a condition known as probing depth. This marks the destruction of the supporting structures that hold your teeth in place.

• Attachment Loss: Attachment loss refers to the weakening of the fibers that support your teeth. This leads to the risk of teeth loosening, eventually resulting in tooth loss.
• Treatment Implications: If the pockets between the teeth become too deep, the condition may require more advanced treatment, such as surgery or gum graft procedures to restore gum health.

Bone Loss

The infection from untreated periodontal disease extends beyond the gums, often causing deterioration of the bone that holds the teeth in place. This resorption of bone can destabilize teeth and lead to severe dental issues.

• Why It Happens: The bacteria responsible for periodontal disease cause inflammation and infection in the bone structure, weakening it over time.
• Preventing Bone Loss: Early intervention with periodontal treatment in King Street can help prevent or reverse some of the damage caused by bone loss. However, without proper care, bone loss can be permanent.

Systemic Health Effects of Untreated Periodontal Disease

The mouth is not the only area affected by periodontal disease, and it can also contribute to several serious systemic health issues. Research links untreated periodontal disease to an increased risk of various health conditions:

• Cardiovascular Diseases: Gum disease triggers inflammation that, if unmanaged, can heighten the risk of cardiovascular issues like heart disease and stroke due to its role in arterial plaque formation.
• Diabetes: People with untreated periodontal disease may struggle to manage their levels of blood sugar, which can complicate diabetes control.
• Respiratory Problems: Bacteria originating in the mouth may be drawn into the lungs, exacerbating respiratory ailments like pneumonia and COPD.

Treatment Options for Periodontal Disease

The good news is that untreated, periodontal disease is treatable with a combination of non-surgical and surgical interventions. With early diagnosis and appropriate care, it is possible to reduce or even stop the disease’s progression.

Non-Surgical Treatments

If the disease is caught early, your dentist in Hamilton may recommend non-invasive treatments, such as:

• Scaling and Root Planing: a thorough cleaning process that helps the gums reconnect by smoothing the tooth roots and removing plaque and tartar accumulation from the teeth.
• Antibiotics: Your treatment plan may include oral or topical antibiotics to minimize infection and inflammation, assisting in the healing process.

Surgical Treatments

In cases where the disease has progressed and non-surgical treatments are insufficient, surgery may be required:

• Gum Surgery: To reduce deep pockets and remove infection from the gums, gum surgery can help restore the gums to a healthier state.
• Gum Graft: For patients who have experienced significant gum recession, a gum graft can be used to restore lost tissue and protect the tooth roots.
• Bone Grafting: If bone loss has occurred, a bone graft may be necessary to restore the structure and stability around the teeth.

How to Prevent Periodontal Disease

Preventing periodontal disease, in the first place, is the greatest method to treat it. By following these guidelines, you can lower your chance of getting gum disease:

• Good Oral Hygiene: To avoid tartar accumulation, clean your teeth thoroughly with regular brushing and flossing.
• Regular Dental Checkups: Visiting your dentist near me for routine exams and cleanings is important for catching periodontal disease in its early stages.
• Avoid Tobacco: Smoking or chewing tobacco significantly increases the risk of developing gum disease, so quitting is a major step in protecting your oral health.
• Balanced Diet: Consuming food high in vitamins and minerals supports gum health and reduces the risk of developing gum disease.

Conclusion

Untreated periodontal disease is a serious condition that can cause tooth loss, bone deterioration, and systemic health complications. Fortunately, early intervention with professional care can stop the progression of the disease and restore your dental health. If you’re concerned about your gum health, don’t wait for it to worsen. Contact Kingswest Smiles Dentistry today to schedule an appointment and discuss your treatment options. With timely care, you can protect your smile and maintain your overall health.