Dr. Schlueter and Dr. Boszko specialize in the sophisticated procedure required to provide successful and gentle gum graft surgery. When patients come to Schlueter Periodontics and Implants for a consultation, we help them discover the most appropriate treatment for their unique condition.
What is Gum Disease?
Periodontal means “around the tooth.” Periodontal diseases are gum and bone infections caused by the bacteria in your mouth that destroy the foundation of the gum and bone around your teeth. They are some of the most common infections in the United States. In fact, more than 75% of American adults over the age of 50 have some form of periodontal disease, and over a third of the total population has moderate periodontal disease.
Despite the number of people infected with gum disease, many don’t believe it affects them. In a recent survey, 8 out of 10 Americans believed they didn’t have periodontal disease, even though 7 out of 10 had one or more symptoms.
Periodontal disease can be painless or asymptomatic until it is almost too late to save teeth. The most common symptoms are tooth drifting, mobility and gum swelling. If left untreated, gum disease can cause bad breath, swollen bleeding gums and eventually tooth loss. In fact, periodontal disease is the major reason for adult tooth loss.
Most importantly, periodontal disease is preventable.