Periodontal disease – commonly known as gum disease – is a widespread health problem estimated to affect up to half of the adult population. The disease destroys the healthy gum attachment to the roots of the teeth, leading to gum infection, gum recession, bone loss around the teeth and halitosis (bad breath). If untreated it will lead to tooth loosening, drifting and tooth loss.
These slides & panoramic x-rays show the difference between a healthy patient (left) and one with advanced periodontal disease (right).
You can see the gum recession and open ‘holes’ between the teeth as well as the huge amount of bone loss around the roots of the teeth.
Advanced periodontal disease often leads to the loss of many teeth and leaves sufferers with severely compromised function and aesthetics, as well as affecting their general health and quality of life.
