Periodontal Disease
歯科ハミール高田88 Director
Masashi Motegi
Hello, I’m Masashi Motegi, the director.
Periodontal disease tends to progress with few noticeable symptoms such as pain, and is a leading cause of tooth loss in adults. If you notice signs such as bleeding gums or bad breath, we recommend seeing a dentist soon.
At 歯科ハミール高田88, guided by our philosophy of “hospitality,” we take the time to explain your examination results, the treatment process, how long it will take, and the cost, and work side by side with you to improve your periodontal health. Protecting the foundation that supports your teeth is exactly what my treatment philosophy of “keeping as many teeth as possible” is about.
We support the people of our Takadanobaba community with a long-term perspective, so you can keep enjoying meals with your own teeth for life.
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is a condition in which the gums and bone that support the teeth are destroyed by bacterial infection. About 80% of Japanese adults are said to have periodontal disease or be at risk of it, making it the biggest cause of tooth loss.
A groove called the periodontal pocket runs along the border between the tooth and the gum, and inflammation begins when plaque (a mass of bacteria) builds up there. In its early stage it causes symptoms such as swollen or bleeding gums, but because there is almost no pain, it’s easy to miss.
Left untreated, the inflammation progresses deep into the gum and dissolves the bone that supports the teeth. Over time, the teeth become loose, and extraction can become necessary. Caught early, with the right treatment, its progression can be stopped.
Periodontal Disease Self-Check
If any of the following apply to you, you may have periodontal disease. If 3 or more apply, we recommend having a dental checkup soon.
□ My gums bleed when I brush my teeth
□ My mouth feels sticky when I wake up in the morning
□ I’m self-conscious about bad breath, or a family member has mentioned it
□ My gums are red and swollen, or have receded
□ Food often gets stuck between my teeth
□ It hurts to bite hard food, or it’s hard to chew
□ A tooth feels loose, or feels like it’s lifting
□ Pus or blood comes out when I press on my gums
□ Cold or sweet things make my teeth sting
□ My teeth look longer than they used to
Your Results
0–2 matches
Your risk of periodontal disease is low for now, but let’s keep up regular checkups for prevention.
3–5 matches
You may be in the early-to-middle stage of periodontal disease. We recommend having an examination at a dental clinic soon.
6 or more matches
There’s a strong chance you have advanced periodontal disease. Please see a dental clinic as soon as possible. Left untreated, your risk of losing teeth increases.
Stages and Symptoms of Periodontal Disease
Gingivitis (Early Stage)
Gingivitis is the earliest stage of periodontal disease, where the inflammation is still confined to the gums. It causes bleeding when brushing and red, swollen gums. At this stage, the bone supporting the teeth has not yet been affected, so it can be improved with proper brushing and a professional cleaning at the dental clinic.
Symptoms include gums that look redder than usual, bleeding when brushing, and a feeling of mild puffiness in the gums. Because there’s almost no pain, this stage tends to go unnoticed.
Mild Periodontitis
At this stage, the inflammation has progressed deeper into the gum, and the bone supporting the teeth shows early signs of bone loss. The periodontal pockets deepen, and ordinary brushing can no longer remove all the debris. Gum swelling and bleeding continue, and bad breath can start to become noticeable.
At this stage, professional cleaning at the dental clinic becomes necessary. Regular treatment together with better self-care can keep it from progressing further.
Moderate Periodontitis
At this stage, roughly half of the bone supporting the teeth has dissolved. The periodontal pockets deepen further, the gums recede, and the teeth start to look longer. The teeth may begin to feel loose, and chewing hard food can become difficult.
At this stage, surgical treatment may be needed in addition to basic care, depending on the case. Our clinic offers periodontal surgery when appropriate.
Severe Periodontitis
At this stage, most of the bone supporting the teeth has been lost, and the teeth have considerable mobility. Pus may appear, along with strong bad breath. Gum recession is visible, and gaps open up between the teeth. Once it has progressed this far, extraction is often necessary.
Periodontal Disease Risks and Effects on Overall Health
The Leading Cause of Tooth Loss
Periodontal disease causes more tooth loss than tooth decay, and is common from your 40s onward. Because bone that has already dissolved cannot be restored through ordinary treatment, catching it early and preventing it are essential.
When periodontal disease affects several teeth, your bite strength drops and the quality of your diet suffers. This can throw off your nutritional balance and affect your overall health as well.
Links to Systemic Disease
Recent research has revealed links between periodontal disease and conditions throughout the body. Periodontal bacteria and inflammatory substances enter the bloodstream and spread throughout the body, raising the risk of a range of diseases.
There is a two-way relationship with diabetes: periodontal disease worsens blood sugar control, and diabetes in turn allows periodontal disease to progress further. It is also said to raise the risk of heart disease and stroke, and has been pointed to as a possible contributor to arteriosclerosis.
Pregnant women in particular need to be careful. Periodontal disease has been reported to raise the risk of premature birth and low birth weight. If you’re pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant, we recommend having a dental checkup soon.
Features of Our Periodontal Treatment
Thorough Basic Treatment
As basic periodontal treatment, our clinic carries out scaling, SRP (scaling and root planing), and PMTC. Scaling removes tartar attached to the tooth surface using specialized instruments. Because tartar is a breeding ground for bacteria, regular removal is important.
SRP removes tartar from deep inside the periodontal pocket and smooths the surface of the infected tooth root. This creates an environment where bacteria find it harder to attach, improving gum inflammation.
PMTC is professional cleaning carried out by a dental hygienist, removing biofilm and staining that ordinary brushing can’t get rid of. Our clinic also uses Airflow (EMS), making effective cleaning possible.
Periodontal Regenerative Therapy Also Available
As a treatment to regenerate bone lost to periodontal disease, we offer periodontal regenerative therapy using Regroth or Emdogain.
These agents help promote bone regeneration, and when conditions allow, they can restore lost periodontal tissue to some degree. They cannot be used in every case, but we consider them as an option for saving a tooth.
Periodontal Surgery When Needed
When basic treatment alone is not enough, we may carry out periodontal surgery. This involves opening the gum to clean the tooth root directly and removing unnecessary tissue. Our clinic performs periodontal surgery depending on the case; surgery can make deep periodontal pockets shallower, making them easier to maintain.
How Periodontal Treatment Works
Medical History & Counseling
Please tell us in detail about any symptoms that concern you, such as bleeding or swollen gums or bad breath. Because habits like smoking and conditions like diabetes are also linked to periodontal disease, we’ll also ask about your lifestyle. Ask us about any worries or questions you have about treatment too.
Examination & Diagnosis
We measure the depth of your periodontal pockets and check the condition of the bone with an X-ray. We also check the degree of gum bleeding and swelling, giving us an accurate picture of how far the periodontal disease has progressed.
Explaining Your Treatment
Based on the examination results, we explain your current periodontal condition and the treatment you need. A mild case can be improved with cleaning and brushing guidance, but a more advanced case may require surgery. We explain the treatment process and timeline in clear terms.
Brushing Guidance and Tartar Removal
A dental hygienist will teach you the brushing technique suited to you. At the same time, we take care to remove tartar with specialized instruments, cleaning deep into the periodontal pockets. We also use Airflow to remove biofilm and staining.
Reassessment and Further Treatment
We check how well the initial treatment has worked, and if the periodontal pockets have become shallower, we move on to regular maintenance. If improvement isn’t enough, we consider specialized treatment such as periodontal surgery or regenerative therapy (Regroth or Emdogain). We take your wishes into account and choose the best approach.
Regular Maintenance
Because periodontal disease tends to recur, a checkup every 3 months matters. We check the condition of your periodontal pockets and keep them clean with professional cleaning. If you’d like, we can also assign you a dedicated dental hygienist; just let us know.
Periodontal Disease Self-Check Items
If any of the following apply to you, please talk to a dentist.
□ I feel like my teeth have shifted since my last checkup
□ The area around a filling or crown often swells
□ I smoke (or used to smoke)
□ I’m pregnant, or my hormone balance is changing
□ I have diabetes
□ I’m under a lot of stress
□ I haven’t had a dental checkup in over a year
□ I grind my teeth at night but don’t use a night guard
Preventing Periodontal Disease in Daily Life
Good Brushing Habits
The basis of preventing periodontal disease is brushing every day. Take your time brushing at least twice a day, spending about 3 minutes each time. The key is to angle the brush at 45 degrees to the border between the tooth and the gum, and move it in small strokes.
A toothbrush alone can’t remove all the debris between your teeth. Using an interdental brush or dental floss as well is said to remove about 80% of that debris.
Regular Checkups
Because periodontal disease causes few noticeable symptoms, catching it early through regular checkups matters. Our clinic recommends a checkup every 3 months, with professional cleaning and examination by a dental hygienist.
Regular professional care helps prevent periodontal disease from progressing and keeps your mouth healthy. If you’d like, we can also assign you a dedicated dental hygienist; just ask.
Learn more about preventive dentistry and teeth cleaning
Improving Your Lifestyle
Smoking raises the risk of periodontal disease, because the harmful substances in tobacco impair blood flow and weaken your gums’ resistance. Quitting smoking can help slow its progression.
A balanced diet, enough sleep, and managing stress also matter. Because a weakened immune system makes periodontal disease more likely to progress, keeping your whole body healthy also supports the health of your mouth.
About Periodontal Regenerative Treatment
Even with severe periodontal disease, it may be possible to save a tooth rather than extracting it. Our clinic offers specialized treatment to regenerate lost alveolar bone and gum tissue.
Emdogain® Regenerative Therapy
¥110,000 (tax included) / tooth
This treatment regenerates the alveolar bone and periodontal ligament lost to periodontal disease. It uses a bioactive protein approved by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, and can also be expected to tighten the gums and improve their appearance. It carries a low risk of infection and has a safety record.
Even if you’ve been told “your tooth is loose and needs to come out,” this treatment may make it possible to save it.
Bone Regeneration and Grafting (GBR)
| Extent | Price (Tax Included) | Indications |
|---|---|---|
| Small area | ¥55,000 / site | When there is a small shortage of bone width or height |
| Large area | ¥110,000 / site | Extensive bone loss, pre-implant treatment |
This treatment uses a bone grafting material from natural sources to fill in the area where bone has been lost. Combining it with Emdogain can be expected to produce a greater regenerative effect.
Connective Tissue Graft (CTG)
¥110,000 (tax included) / tooth
This treatment grafts gum tissue taken from the roof of the mouth to cover an exposed root surface. It suits anyone whose gums have receded and exposed the root, or who is self-conscious about gaps between their teeth. It can also help improve a gummy smile or sensitivity.
Crown Lengthening
| Treatment | Price (Tax Included) | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Standalone procedure | ¥60,500 / tooth | A procedure that lowers the gum line to help save a tooth with deep decay or a fracture |
| Combined with Minor Tooth Movement (MTM) | ¥121,000 / tooth | Lowers the gum line while also fine-tuning the tooth’s position, for a better aesthetic result |
Even when decay is deep and a crown can’t be placed, this treatment may make it possible to save the tooth.
Notes on Fees
* The fees above are all for self-pay treatment (tax included).
* Depending on the treatment and the case, several procedures may be combined.
* Dental financing is also available. Ask us for details.
Common Questions
Can periodontal disease be cured?
Early-stage gingivitis can sometimes be improved with proper brushing and cleaning. With periodontitis where bone has already dissolved, complete restoration of the original state is difficult, but it is possible to stop its progression and maintain your current condition.
How long does treatment take?
This depends on how far the periodontal disease has progressed. A mild case can improve in a few visits, but a moderate or more advanced case can take several months. Regular maintenance is needed after the initial treatment, and long-term management matters.
Is periodontal disease hereditary?
Periodontal disease itself is not hereditary, but a tendency toward it is said to have a genetic component. If periodontal disease runs in your family, it’s worth taking extra care with prevention.
Can I be treated while pregnant?
Basic periodontal treatment is possible during pregnancy. Because the risk of periodontal disease rises during pregnancy, we recommend having a checkup once you reach the stable second trimester. We’ll decide what treatment to do and when, taking your stage of pregnancy and condition into account, so please talk to us.
Considering Periodontal Treatment in Takadanobaba?
At 歯科ハミール高田88, we focus on catching periodontal disease early and treating it properly. If you’re concerned about bleeding or swollen gums, or about bad breath, please come talk to us. We’re a 1-minute walk from Takadanobaba Station, and also open on weekends, making it easy to visit after work or school. With regular maintenance, we’ll help you keep healthy teeth for life.
