If the bacteria is not cleaned thoroughly underneath the gums or if a patient has diabetes or is a heavy smoker, then the bacteria can start to eat away at the attachment of the gum and the bone. Often the disease can progress unchecked as there are few symptoms except for some bleeding or swollen gums.
If too much of the bone is eaten away then the tooth will become loose. If the problem is picked up at this point, it is often too late to definitively save the tooth and eventually it will have to come out due to loss of support.
Our goal is to pick up periodontal disease in its earliest stages. With early detection and treatment coupled with additional hygiene measures such as mouthwash, flossing and brushing, it will give the best chance of keeping the teeth for life.