Periodontal Disease
What is Periodontal Disease?

The word "periodontal" means "around the tooth." Periodontal disease (also known as "gum disease," "pyorrhea" or "periodontal infection") is an ongoing bacterial infection in the gums and bone around your teeth. This infection leads to an inflammation under the gums, and if not treated, this inflammation can destroy the bone around your teeth. This results in tooth loss. Approximately 75% of all adult tooth loss is due to periodontal infection.

More importantly, research has associated periodontal infection to several serious medical problems, including heart disease, diabetes and stroke (see the "The Consequences of Periodontal Disease" section). As ongoing research continues to define how periodontal disease is associated with these and other health problems, oral health maintenance is essential. Periodontal health is a key component to a healthy body.

What is an "Ongoing Infection"?

Periodontal DiseaseHave you ever gotten a sliver of wood caught under the skin of your hand? Because the wound is open to bacteria, the site may become infected and so appear red and inflamed.   In time, your immune system fights off the bacteria and your hand heals.

During an ongoing infection , however, your immune system is unable to conquer the bacteria on its own and the pain and redness continue to worsen.

Periodontal disease is an ongoing infection in the pockets around your teeth.  You cannot fight off the infection alone, but with periodontal therapy, we are able to remove debris and bacteria from the site allowing the gum to heal as your hand had.

What Can Cause a "Burst" of Infection Activity?

People with periodontal disease have low resistance to periodontal bacteria.  This causes an ongoing gum infection that grows in "bursts" of activity.  Each time it grows, more support for your teeth is lost.  Some factors that can cause a "burst" of activity are:

  1. Poor oral hygiene
  2. Dental plaque
  3. Smoking
  4. Genetic factors
  5. Stress or tension
  6. Diet
  7. Age
  8. Illness

Getting Periodontal Infection Treated Right Away

When your infection has a burst of activity, or when there are signs that this is about to occur, your general dentist may recommend you see a periodontist.

Symptoms of Periodontal Infection

Periodontal infection is usually painless until it reaches an advanced stage. However, there are some symptoms which can indicate the presence of periodontal infection.

These include:

  1. Red or swollen gums
  2. Bleeding when brushing (pink toothbrush), or at other times
  3. Aching, itchy, sore or tender gums
  4. Receding gums (teeth beginning to look longer)
  5. Pus between your teeth and gums when you press down on the gums
  6. Bad breath
  7. Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
  8. Any change in the fit of partial dentures
  9. Loose, separating or protruding teeth
  10. Spaces between teeth

If you notice any of the above warning signs of periodontal infection, please contact your general dentist and ask for a periodontal evaluation.

Important Note: Your gums can look and feel quite normal and yet deep pockets of periodontal infection can still be present. To be certain about any periodontal disease, ask your dentist or periodontist to examine your gums for signs of infection.

Who is a Periodontist?

A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease. Many periodontists have also taken advanced training in the placement of dental implants. Periodontists receive extensive training in these areas, including 2 to 3 additional years of education beyond dental school.

Periodontists also provide other treatments, such as crown lengthening and bone regeneration (see the Individual & Cosmetic Procedures section for more information on these procedures).

 

Patient Reviews

     
Lake Oswego Periodontics is rated 4.8 out of 5 based on 28 reviews from around the Web.
  • 09/08/2016
         
    Dr Hoidal is the best! I highly recommend him.
  • 02/08/2020
         
    Dr. Hoidal and team have me on a healthy path to better gums. Professional, friendly and pain free!
  • 05/02/2024
         
    They are all is responsive to questions, proactive with pain medicine and caring.
  • 09/17/2016
         
    Dr.Hoidal and staff are amazing. Great experience!
  • 02/15/2018
         
    Great staff & calming views of the river too.
  • 08/25/2017
         
    I found everyone in Dr. Hoidal's office to be both friendly and professional. They explain things thoroughly and are all good listeners.
  • 07/11/2017
         
    All the staff and Dr. Hoidal are terrific! Friendly, professional care of the finest quality. Great experience!
  • 11/03/2016
         
    They were friendly and professional with excellent care. They made a scary event so much better. Being born in the 40's dentist have not been my favorite people but you guys have changed my mind. Thank you.
  • 07/02/2016
         
    Great Rx for my issues. Office people helpful and pleasant. Office location gives nice ambience.
  • 09/19/2019
         
    Just went in for a consultation that was recommended by my dentist. What a responsible and ethical place of business. Thank you!
  • 05/25/2016
         
    The entire staff were very friendly and Dr Hoidal was also just as nice. He has great bedside manner, easy to talk to and explained everything in detail. I...
  • 04/12/2017
         
    Dr. Hoidal, Jan, Heather and the entire staff could not have been better! My gum graft went well and so did my recuperation time.
  • 12/01/2017
         
    Everything is now sound and the new bridge is on its way.At all times, I was very pleased with his approach, thoroughness of his diagnosis and plan, and his manner.
  • 01/13/2017
         
    Thank you to Dr. Hoidal and his staff for being open during the "snow apocalypse"!!! After calling multiple offices for two days, trying to find one open to...
  • 10/10/2015
         
    I would highly recommend Dr. Matt for periodontal issues. I found his staff welcoming and his office very comfortable.
  • 05/08/2016
         
    A very friendly office staff which makes patients comfortable the moment they enter the office. Dr. Holidal is very professional and keeps his patients appraised of all the procedures he is doing. I can highly recommend this clinic.
  • 08/04/2016
         
    Friendly reception, short waiting time, thorough exam and good explanation of process
  • 07/24/2019
         
    Dr. Hoidal did a great job coordinating with my orthodontist. When my braces were removed, I received a prosthetic tooth from my dentist.