Types of Periodontal Disease

A beautiful smile starts with your gums. Awareness of your gum health and early treatment from a dentist when gum disease starts to develop can help keep you smiling.

Periodontal disease (also known as periodontitis and gum disease) is a progressive disease, which affects the supporting and surrounding tissue of the gums, and also the underlying jawbone. If left untreated, periodontal disease can result in loose, unstable teeth and even tooth loss. The condition is actually the leading cause of tooth loss in adults and therefore should not be taken lightly.

There are many different varieties of gum disease, but all require immediate treatment by a dentist if you want to halt the progression and save the gum tissue and bone. Here are some of the most common types of periodontal disease along with recommended treatments for each.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the mildest and most common form of periodontitis. This condition is caused by the toxins in plaque, and can escalate to more severe forms of periodontal disease. People at increased risk of developing gingivitis include:

Pregnant women
People with uncontrolled diabetes
Women taking birth control pills
Steroid users
People who control seizures and blood pressure using medication

Gingivitis is easily treated and reversible through a solid combination of home care and professional dental cleanings. A combination of antibiotics and medicated mouthwashes may be used to kill any remaining bacteria and promote the healing of these pockets.

Chronic Periodontal Disease

Chronic periodontal disease is another common form of periodontitis, and occurs much more frequently in people over 45. This form of the periodontitis is characterized by inflammation below the gum line and the progressive destruction of the gingival and bone tissue. A sign of chronic periodontal disease is your teeth appearing like they are growing in length, but in actuality the gums are receding to produce this effect.

Unfortunately, unlike gingivitis, chronic periodontal disease cannot be completely cured because the supportive tissue cannot be rebuilt. However, your Tuscaloosa, AL dentist can halt the progression of the disease using scaling and root planing procedures in combination with antimicrobial treatments. If necessary, your dentist will work with a periodontist and they may perform surgical treatments such as pocket reduction surgery, and tissue grafts to strengthen the bone and improve the aesthetic appearance of your oral cavity.

Aggressive Periodontal Disease

Aggressive periodontal disease is characterized by the rapid loss of gum attachment and bone tissue. The disease itself is essentially the same as chronic periodontitis, but the advancement is much quicker. Smokers and those with a family history of this disease are at a higher risk of developing aggressive periodontitis.

The treatments for aggressive periodontal disease are the same as the treatments for chronic periodontal disease, but people suffering from aggressive periodontal disease are far more likely to require a surgical intervention. This form of periodontitis is harder to stop and treat, but your dentist will perform scaling, root planing, antimicrobial, and in some cases laser procedures in an attempt to save valuable tissue and bone.

Necrotizing Periodontal Disease

This form of the disease rapidly worsens and is more prevalent among people who smoke and who suffer from:

Chronic Stress
Malnutrition
Immunosuppression
Or HIV

Necrotizing periodontal disease is extremely rare. Tissue death (necrosis) frequently affects the periodontal ligament, gingival tissues, and alveolar bone. Because the disease may be associated with HIV or another serious medical condition, it is likely your dentist will consult with a physician before commencing treatment. Scaling, root planing, antibiotic pills, medicated mouthwash, and fungicidal medicines are generally used to treat this form of the disease.

How Periodontal Disease Relates to Other Conditions

Periodontal disease can be a symptom of a disease or condition affecting the rest of the body. Depending on the underlying medical problem, the disease can behave like aggressive periodontal disease, working quickly to destroy tissue. Heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory disease are the most common cofactors, though there are many others. Even in cases where little plaque coats the teeth, many medical conditions intensify and accelerate the progression of periodontal disease. If your periodontal disease is caused by another medical condition, the first thing to do is control the medical condition that led to it. Your Tuscaloosa, AL dentist will then help halt the progression of your periodontitis utilizing the same treatments used for controlling aggressive and chronic periodontal disease.

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Dr. Grant Skalnik, D.M.D.
Dr. Skalnik’s passion for dentistry and eagerness to provide his patients with superior dental care shines through his work every day. He has been blessed enough to help thousands of patients achieve a healthy, beautiful smile, and he hopes to continue doing so for years to come.

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This was my first visit to the dentist after the pandemic and I was quite nervous. Dr. Skalnik made me feel very comfortable and taken care of. Great chairside manner! His Dental staff and office was very warm and welcoming.

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Very Great people!!!! My daughter had a baby tooth that just wouldn’t come out that was really bothering her. Tried almost every dentist office in town thinking these dentist offices would understand a kids tooth hurts let’s squeeze her in and get it taken care of no one in Tuscaloosa would see her the same day. Then I ran into Dental south on Google these guys was awesome said to bring her in and we will squeeze her in. Such great people from the time we arrived making sure my daughter was comfortable with everything going on. I will be back and will highly recommend to anybody. They even called the next day to check on her. No dentist office has ever done that before I loved it!!!! Shows that care about there Patients. Thank you Dental Care South!!!!

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Raise your hand if you love going to the dentist. Now raise your hand if you leave your dental visit smiling and perhaps laughing with the staff? Not so many, right? Well, surprise yourself by making an appointment with Dr. Grant Skalnik and his absolute top-notch staff. I am 64 years of age, and have seen nearly every type of dental professional. I can state with all personal credibility that Dr. Skalnik is without doubt the most knowledgeable and compassionate dentist who has ever placed an instrument inside my mouth. We all have anxiety when seeing a dentist, but I have never – ever – needed any type of sedative when visiting this office. It may sound ludicrous, but the staff are my calming agent. I am always greeted warmly by the reception staff and immediately placed at ease by their humor (yet always professional). Patients are always asked about their lives, their family and even their pets. It’s amazing to think they remember so much about their patients, and it’s very comforting, particularly when that day’s appointment calls for an extraction (ouch). You are always called a day or two following a procedure to make sure you are feeling well with no complications. That’s another first for me from any other dental practice, and one that makes me feel very secure knowing they truly care about their patients. I’ve even had their hygienists stop by and say “hello” while Dr. Skalnik and his Dental Assistant were performing a procedure and ask if I was okay. It just doesn’t get any better than that. If you’re a nervous patient, tell them! Dr. Skalnik will slowly and carefully guide you through the procedure, telling you what will be done so there is no “unknown fear factor”. During the procedure, if you need to stop or ask a question, just “raise a finger”, and he stops. YOU are in control while you’re in the chair. That’s what I like. Isn’t that what fear usually is? Not being in control? But it’s not really necessary anyway. I feel confident and secure being in Dr. Skalnik’s care. If this sounds like I’ve been paid, nothing could be farther from the truth. Providing a positive review for Dental Care South is a privilege simply because of the many times they’ve stayed open for me when I had a crisis (actual OR imagined), or when Dr. Skalnik took a Sunday phone call from me when I had an abscessed tooth. Or, just last week following a tooth extraction and I was experiencing discomfort a week later and he saw me with less than 24 hours’ notice on a packed schedule. Yet, he acted as if I were the only patient he saw that day. He wasn’t rushed. I just felt as if he came to the office to see me, and only me. THAT is why I gave this review. And probably myriad other, similar reasons I’ll think of once I hit “post” and immediately regret not waiting to remember them! Bottom line – if you need dental care, look no farther than Dental Care South and Dr. Skalnik’s practice. I sort of hate giving away our 69 South’s little secret, but having a phobia or fear isn’t anything to laugh about. So, I’m giving away the secret!

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I am not a fan of going to the dentist, but this is, hands down, the BEST PLACE to go for family dentistry. Dr. Skalnik and his staff ALWAYS go that extra mile to get to know their patients, check in on them after a visit, call, text, email with reminder updates for the entire family. Dr. Skalnik does excellent work as well. DENTAL CARE SOUTH is the BEST!!!!!!!!!!

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I have had a lot of family things going on lately. Dr. Skalnick and his staff were very gracious for all the scheduling changes I had to make. I had a veneer come off on the front and, as you can imagine, I was horrified. I was able to get an appt immediately and get it taken care of. I thank them all!! Dr. Skalnik and his staff are always so nice and friendly and attentive. Dr. Skalnik is very meticulous and very thorough explaining what he is doing.

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If you have any question or concerns regarding the different types of periodontal disease and their treatments, please contact our Tuscaloosa office today. We would be happy to set up an appointment to discuss your needs and analyze your best options.